#so it’s a subtle hint that you’re ignoring me and/or don’t really want to talk to me

[sephirthoughts]

Vincent's New Kid Just Dropped CH 17:

Back at the Valentine Household Where Things are a Little Too Quiet

prev. chap here

RATING: teen and up for some swears, PG-rated physical affection, and references to mature topics, such as household management

WARNINGS: a baby's wet diaper is changed onscreen. proceed with appropriate caution/approved safety equipment

Summary:

not the longest chapter but there was not a less awkward place to cut it and i didn't want it to be like 3 usual-chapters long

LOOK AT HIM. LOOK HOW SAD AND BEAUTIFUL HE IS. FORGIVE HIM FOR EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DON'T BE MEAN

“Seph.”

“Mm?”

Ollie was napping, Cid and Vincent were out in the workshop with Reeve, and Nero was upstairs, probably starting an emo band or something. Sephiroth and Cloud were lying on the living room sofa, taking advantage of a rare lull in family activity, to enjoy some (admittedly PG-rated) physical affection.

Cloud lifted his head from his beloved’s broad chest to look into his face. “I was thinking. Since you’re here all the time, anyway, wouldn’t it be nice if, say, you had a space of your own? With like, four walls and, I don’t know…a door. Oh, maybe even a bed.” He frowned and tapped his bottom lip thoughtfully. “I feel like there’s a word for that…what was it?”

Sephiroth sighed. “Bedroom.”

“Bedroom! That was it! You need a bedroom. And, as it so happens, there are three empty bedrooms, in this house. Which means…”

“It isn’t my house.”

“It’s your dad’s house, though. Do you really think Vincent would have a problem with you borrowing a spare room? I think you should ask him about it.”

“I know what you think. You’ve been dropping not-so-subtle hints, all week.”

“Then why haven’t you done anything about it?”

Sephiroth looked away, shifting uneasily. “There’s not been a good opportunity to bring it up. Besides, if he wanted me to have a bedroom here, he would have offered.”

“Sephiroth. He’s your father,” Cloud said sternly. “He’s likely just as dense and socially maladjusted as you. He probably assumes you have your own place, since you’ve never mentioned anything about wanting to stay here. If you don’t bring it up, how is he supposed to know?”

“My father has had enough on his plate, since Nero arrived,” Sephiroth hedged. “I don’t want to overload him by making such a presumptuous request.”

“Overload him? You’ve taken a huge burden off him, by doing half the cooking and taking care of your sister, all the time. This household wouldn’t function without you. You at least deserve temporary accommodation.”

“I don’t do those things hoping to be rewarded.”

“Ok babe, listen. I didn’t want to do this, but I’m putting my foot down,” Cloud said, as he pushed himself up from the sofa. “Either you talk to your father about using one of the spare bedrooms, before I get back, or I’ll talk to him myself.”

“Back? Where are you going?” Sephiroth asked, getting up as well.

“Midgar. Gonna check in on Tifa and the kids.”

Sephiroth’s expression darkened. “Why?”

“They’re family, Seph,” Cloud answered wearily.

“They are not.”

“They are to me. People don’t stop being family when you have a falling out.”

“A falling out? Is that what you call it?”

Sephiroth’s normally gentle voice dripped with disdain. Whenever this topic came up, he was the most like he’d been, before. Sharp and acerbic, pupils contracted to slits in the blue-green irises, with an expression of icy hauteur on his beautiful face.

Fortunately, Cloud knew him too well, now, to fault him for it. Arrogance and sarcasm were Sephiroth’s last line of defense, when he felt particularly insecure and helpless. There was nothing that made him feel more insecure and helpless than Cloud’s foundling family, back in Midgar.

“I don’t expect you to forgive them, but I can’t just ignore our entire past and act like Tifa doesn’t exist,” he said, as he pulled on his boots. “Even if I could, I have a responsibility to those kids.”

“You are referring to the children that are not your biological offspring, and which she is currently raising with another man.”

“Yeah, well, at least Barrett’s there for them. That’s more than I ever was.”

A sneer curled Sephiroth’s pale lip. “Indeed, how selfless of him, to take time from his busy schedule, to care for the woman and children he voluntarily acquired. Acquired while you were away from home, as I recall.”

“I was away from home for almost a year. You can hardly blame him for using that time to win over the woman he’d always loved, who I was never romantic with, in the first place.”

“I can, however, blame them both, for treating you as deranged and dangerous, and organizing others to ambush and attempt to abduct you, rather than hearing you out.”

“They learned their lesson, didn’t they? And they heard me out, afterward.”

“Because they had no choice.”

“Yeah. Well. The important thing is that they know where I stand, and what happens if they try to corner me. No point dwelling on it.”

Sephiroth crossed his arms defensively. “I do not understand why, after they behaved the way they did, toward you, you would continue to associate with them. You are only putting yourself in a position to be mistreated again.”

“It’s not about that, Seph. Regardless of what happened between the adults, the kids still think of me as a parental figure. Denzel’s counting on me to be there for his first bike race. I’m not gonna let him down.”

Sephiroth was still stewing as he walked Cloud to the front door, and gave a disconsolate ‘hmph’, when Cloud kissed him goodbye, which made Cloud laugh and kiss him again.

“You’re adorable when you’re acting like a wet cat. I’ll be back in a few days. Promise me you’ll talk to your father about the spare bedroom, before then.”

“I promise,” Sephiroth said gloomily.

Cloud turned back and waved, after he started up the big, black Fenrir bike, and then roared away down the private drive, leaving a trail of dust clouds behind. Sephiroth lingered in the doorway, gazing the way he’d gone, well after he was out of sight.

“You really should lock that down,” Nero’s serpentine voice said, behind him, drawing him out of his ruminations.

Sephiroth turned an unfriendly eye on him. “What?”

“Your little lover, running off to see his friends, without you. Tsk tsk.”

“So, you were eavesdropping.”

“Who knows what they’ll say to him,” Nero went on, as if he hadn’t heard the remark. “Who they’ll introduce him to, hoping he’ll be enticed to greener pastures. If I were you, I would lock him down, before it’s too late.”

“What do you mean ‘lock him down’? Is he a military facility?”

Nero rolled his eyes. “I mean marry him. Make him truly and legally yours, before someone else tries to get their hooks into him.”

“Cloud and I do not need a certificate from some paltry human authorities, to declare our bond. We are not separable, by any power in this world, or otherwise.”

“Then why are you so jealous of his ex-lover and their children?” Nero asked pointedly, raising his black brows.

“They are not his children! And she was never his—why are you even talking to me? Do you enjoy provoking me, that much?”

“I am simply attempting to be a good brother,” Nero replied righteously. “Since it’s clear to me that you are staggeringly inept in matters of the heart, I thought you might benefit from some advice.”

“Ridiculous,” Sephiroth snorted. “I’m a grown man. You are a child. What could you possibly have to teach me, about such things?”

“Correction: you are a ghost. And child or no, I’d wager I’ve got more relationship experience than you. Tell me, were you a virgin, when you bedded that pretty blonde?”

“Was I—that’s one of your business!” Sephiroth fired back.

“So, yes,” Nero replied glibly. “I thought so. You do seem like the mates-for-life type.”

“I am not ashamed of that, and I won’t deny it. What is it to you?”

“Then we have that in common. So, it stands to reason we also share the desire to keep our chosen mate firmly in our hands.”

“Are you coming to a point, Nero?”

“Only this: you need to stop getting your hackles up, when he talks about his ex-whatever-she-is. When he goes to visit her and the brats, you have to stop making him feel like it’s at the cost of wounding you. Your jealousy isn’t going to keep you safe. You’re only going to make yourself miserable, and hurt him in the process.”

Sephiroth clenched his fists at his sides. “I am not jealous.”

“Well, yes you are. It takes one to know one, dear brother.”

“You’re admitting that you’re jealous, with Weiss?”

“Oh, very much so,” Nero laughed. “Extremely, monstrously, violently jealous. But Weiss likes that. Your little blonde does not. Your jealousy only makes him feel that you don’t trust him, and that you want him to choose between you and his friends. You don’t see that he has already chosen you. He’s not going to leave you for them, so stop acting like he might.”

Sephiroth wavered. “He has…already chosen me?”

“You really are an idiot,” Nero sighed. “I will only say this once, and I will deny it, if you ever repeat it to anyone. There is more of you in that boy’s heart than there is of himself. Weiss is literally my other half, and even I can’t make such a claim. Cloud Strife might love you more than any person in this world has ever loved another, and yet you’re still so cripplingly insecure, that you can’t let yourself accept it.”

“I was never loved, before.” Sephiroth lowered his eyes, passing a hand over his brow. “I don’t know how to go about it. I don’t know how to say the right words or make the right gestures. All I know how to do is hold on to him, with everything I have.”

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved, in return,” Nero said, in an odd, sing-song cadence.

Sephiroth blinked. “Are you…are you quoting Moulin Rouge, at me?”

“Mm-hm,” Nero nodded jauntily. “Cid and I watched it, last night, while father pretended not to be sleeping through it.”

“I love that movie,” Sephiroth pouted. “Why didn’t you tell me, so I could watch it too?”

“You and Cloud were asleep in the living room, with Ollie. Cid didn’t want to wake you. Also, you’re huge and the sofa in the den is too small. It would’ve been cramped, with all of us.”

Just then, both young men suddenly looked up at the ceiling.

“Ollie’s awake,” Sephiroth announced. “Time for her bottle.”

“Why don’t you take a break and let me do it,” Nero offered.

Sephiroth paused and eyed him suspiciously. “Do you know how to warm the formula to the correct temperature?”

“The warmer chooses the right temperature automatically,” Nero riposted.

“Do you know how to feed her?”

“How complicated can it be to hand a baby a bottle?”

Sephiroth crossed his arms. “And what if she needs to be changed?”

Nero staggered under that master stroke, and went a little green in the face. “On second thought, m—maybe you should do it, after all. I’m clueless about children, who knows what havoc I may cause.”

“Nonsense,” Sephiroth said, grabbing his wrist as he was about to flee. “You’re her brother and you should know how to take care of her, too. I’m happy to teach you. Let’s go.”

With that, Nero was herded into the kitchen, made to warm the bottle, under Sephiroth’s appraising eye, and then dragged upstairs toward the little goblin’s room, looking like he was going to his own execution.

Ollie’s soft, ultrafine baby hair already exhibited some of the same gravity-defying tendencies as Vincent’s and Nero’s. Thusly, it was sticking up all over her head, making her look like a scarlet-eyed hedgehog, as she stood in the crib on wobbly legs, hanging onto the rail for support.

“GUH-GUH-GUH!” she wailed, suddenly piteous and aggrieved, the moment she saw her brothers coming down the hall. “BABABABAAA!”

“Don’t fuss, mei-mei, I’m right here,” Sephiroth said softly, but much in the tone with which one would address an adult. “Your er-ge wants to learn to care for you, so he’ll be assisting, today.”

“Ah-ah-ah bababa,” Ollie burbled woefully, reaching for Nero, as Sephiroth lifted her from the crib.

Sephiroth spared her no mercy. “Patience, miss. You’ll have your bottle in a moment. You have to be changed, first.”

In protest of this unjust treatment, Ollie thrashed and kicked uncooperatively, as her brother laid her on the changing table and unsnapped her onesie—a candy-apple red number that had the words, ‘Daddy’s Little Devil’ embroidered in black, on the front.

There was an attached hood, too, that when it was pulled up, displayed a pair of mini devil horns. The overall effect was decidedly adorable, but Cid was no longer allowed to purchase baby clothing, unsupervised.

“The wipes are in the warmer, and the ointment, powder, and fresh diapers are in this drawer,” Sephiroth explained to Nero. “After you remove the soiled diaper, it goes in that device over there, which I’ll show you how to operate, momentarily.”

All the while, Ollie was squirming and whining with increasing energy, striving to get at the bottle in Nero’s hands. When the wet diaper came off, Nero averted his eyes reflexively, and Sephiroth was reaching for a baby wipe. Thus, both of them missed the thin, black tentacle that appeared out of nowhere, and flew toward Nero.

Nero gave a yelp of surprise, as the bottle was yanked out of his hand, making Sephiroth turn to look, just in time to see the darkness tendril that was coiled around it placing the bottle in Ollie’s eager hands.

“I thought you had control of those things,” Sephiroth scolded Nero. “Why did you let it do that?”

“I didn’t,” Nero said. “It’s one of mine, but it…it didn’t come from me.”

“If it didn’t come from you, then where in the ten hells—” Sephiroth stopped short.  

For a moment, both men stood there, staring at the baby, who was reveling in her ill-gotten bottle, and gleefully kicking her chubby legs.

“But she can’t control darkness…can she?” Sephiroth asked. “She’s only a baby.”

Nero only shook his head dazedly. Sephiroth decided he’d better test it out, first, before they decided how to proceed.

“Sorry, meimei,” he muttered, and abruptly snatched the bottle from her hands.

The infant’s entire, round head turned bright pink, as she revved up for a piercing yowl of indignation, directing all her ire at her cruel eldest brother, who had taken away her prize. As quick as a whip, the darkness tentacle shot out from somewhere on her person and jerked the bottle right back out of Sephiroth’s hand, promptly returning it to the wronged party.

Sephiroth and Nero looked at one another, then back at their little sister. There was no mistaking it, this time. The darkness tendril had originated from Ollie, and appeared to be at least partially under her control.

Sephiroth’s brow furrowed. “I can overpower and grasp your darkness strands, temporarily, but I can’t take them from you. How could this happen?”

“I have no idea.” Nero swallowed hard. “Maybe…maybe one got loose and attached to her, somehow.”

“Well un-attach it,” Sephiroth said peevishly. “Have you any idea how dangerous a baby with darkness abilities could be? To herself, as well as others?”

“They’re my abilities, you don’t have to tell me,” Nero retorted.

“What are you waiting for, then? Command it to return.”

“If I could do that, I would have! Shut up and let me think, for a second! And will you please put a diaper on that gremlin? She has no sense of modesty, whatsoever.”

Sephiroth turned to finish cleaning and diapering the little miscreant, pulling her onesie legs back on, while she smiled and cooed beatifically, as if she were one of heaven’s most innocent cherubim. Which was especially incongruous, at the moment, considering the black hair, the red eyes, and the devil costume.

Nero was in a quandary. He hadn’t intended to tell anyone about the incident, with the small spider, least of all the house’s overbearing guard-dog, Sephiroth, but there was nothing for it. They were in this together, now.

“There’s something else,” he said, with deep reluctance. The look Sephiroth gave him did not inspire a feeling of camaraderie, but he forged ahead. “A few nights ago, I think…I was with her, on the other side.”

Blue-green eyes flashed with deadly intent. “You what?”

“I didn’t bring her there! I didn’t even suspect it was her, until I came back out of it, and put the pieces together. But I have no idea how she’d be able to connect to my darkness, let alone trespass in my void, without my knowledge. I was planning to…ahem. To try to bring her back there. If she appeared in the same form, I’d be able to—”

Before he finished the sentence, Sephiroth’s big hand had already closed around Nero’s throat. “You were planning to take my little sister to the void? Give me one reason I shouldn’t twist your head off, now, and spare my father the trouble.”

Nero couldn’t answer, with Sephiroth choking him, but he didn’t have to. A shrill wail erupted from the changing table, and that little tendril flew out again, this time constricting around Sephiroth’s wrist, trying with all its might to tear him away from Nero.

“Guh-guh-guh! Ah-guh-guh!” Ollie bawled, big tears pouring down her apple cheeks.

Sephiroth let Nero go immediately. “I’m sorry, Ollie. I wasn’t really going to hurt your er-ge, I promise. I’m so sorry I scared you.”

Ollie kept sobbing and gurgling nonsense at him, till Nero got fed up and translated.

“She thinks we’re fighting. She wants us to…” He sighed heavily. “…to hug and make up.”

Sephiroth made a face. “Hug who, each other?”

“No, jackass, a behemoth. Of course each other.”

Sephiroth looked at Ollie, who was peering up at him with big, round, teary eyes. He had no power to refuse his baby sister anything, let alone when she looked so sad.

“Alright. Let’s get this over with.”

With the air of children about to take bitter medicine, the two erring brothers reached out and embraced one another stiffly.

“Look, mei-mei, everything is alright,” Sephiroth coaxed, patting Nero’s back. “No one is angry with anyone.”

“Yes, your big brothers love each other. See?” Nero added, also patting Sephiroth’s back.

Ollie stopped actively bawling, but kept watching the two warily, sniffling and gnawing on her fingers, and drooling copiously in the process. One of Nero’s purple-black tendrils emerged and snaked over, heroically submitting itself to be used as a teething toy, for the greater good. Ollie, who liked the tendrils, for their springy texture and soothing coldness, was successfully pacified.

Sephiroth turned to Nero, keeping his expression placid and his voice mild. “Please explain to me why, when you believed my sister to be at large in the metaphysical plane, you thought it was a good idea to not only conceal it from her family, but to try to take her back there.”

“In my position, would you have told anyone? Would you have said to our father and Cid ‘Hey dads, your precious infant daughter may be leaving the material plane by traversing my darkness realm, oopsie doopsie.’ How do you think Cid would handle that?”

“I suppose I see your point,” Sephiroth conceded. “But that does not explain why you would risk taking her there, again.”

“It’s not like I was going to endanger her,” Nero said defensively. “I can keep her safe, if she goes with me. If she’s running around in there, by herself, I don’t know what could happen to her. I can communicate with her through the darkness, and explain all that to her, but it’s much safer to do it on the other side. That way, even if the connection goes haywire, there’s no risk of damage to her physical body.”

“Just to her psyche and soul.”

“How do you think her psyche and soul would fare, if she were to become lost, and unable to find her way back?” Nero contended. “There is no concept of time or space, there. It is literally infinite. The only way to ensure her safety, is for me to connect with her. Once we’re connected, I might even be able to find out how she’s getting in, and stop her. If I can’t stop her, I can at least keep a tether on her.”

Sephiroth eyed him cagily. “Why are you suddenly so concerned for her well-being? This seems like a lot of trouble to go to, for a half-sister by a father you don’t even acknowledge.”

“Worry not, brother, I haven’t suddenly turned altruist,” Nero sneered. “I only care because I think she might be able to help me find Weiss. She can’t do that if her soul is lost in the void.”

Sephiroth smiled bitterly. “I should’ve guessed. It always comes back to Weiss, with you. He’s the only person that matters to you, after all.”

“What do you care? You never wanted me here. The sooner I find him, the sooner I’ll be gone, and the sooner you’ll have your father all to yourself. Who knows, with me out of the way, he may even start to love you.”

“I don’t want his love,” Sephiroth said tonelessly. “I don’t need it. I am not a child.”

“You are, however, a terrible liar.” Nero’s taunting expression froze on his face, as his slit pupils dilated in the crimson-magenta irises. “A tug…a tug!”

“What?”

“There’s a tug, in the darkness! It has to be Weiss! I’m going after him!”

Sephiroth watched, fascinated, as Nero’s eyes seemed to fill with ink, turning pitch black—iris, sclera, and all. It happened so quickly, it was almost startling. He waved a hand in front of the young man’s face, a few times, and got no reaction. He must be on the other side already.

“Alright, Ollie, let’s go see if—” Sephiroth’s blood ran cold. His little sister was lying on the changing table, staring blankly into space, with those very same eerie, ink-pit eyes. “Fuck.”

THE AUTHOR HAS SOMETHING TO SAY yes barrett and tifa are a couple in this. like they always should have been.

[insanechayne]

~ ~ ~

[adelheidvonschicksal]

hii id like to request a how l&d boys act when they're jealous :3 feel free to ignore if u don't feel like it or thanks in advance if u do!! love your works sm xx

How the Boys Act When They’re Jealous

Pairing: xavier x gn!reader, rafayel x gn!reader, zayne x gn!reader

A/N: The game needs more jealous Zayne, and Lost in your eyes moments with Raf. Thanks for waiting! <3

Xavier is an absolute menace.

He’s extremely possessive over you, and he’s well aware of it.

You care a lot about him, but good luck stopping him from being a jealous dummy any time soon. He already knows Jeremiah doesn’t have feelings for you, but is that going to stop him from spraying the other man with a plant mister when he gets to close? Nope.

Luckily for Jeremiah, Xavier likes him. They’re friends. The other man finds it funny to even tease him a little by poking at that jealous side. Everyone else doesn’t have the same privilege.

When he's not glaring, Xavier tries to be subtle about, dropping hints here and there about how you’re his lover. He’ll interrupt your conversations with other men when they drag on too long, so he can talk with his partner, his neighbor, his napping buddy.

Suddenly, everything he says can be taken the wrong way. He mentions how he had a good time sleeping together (when it was literal sleeping). He says the two of you should got out to dinner again or that the lunch you made him for work was very tasty (really you wanted to avoid the apartment complex catching on fire). He might also “jokingly” state within hearing distance of your new friend that the two of you act like a married couple. It’s not his fault if someone takes it the wrong way; you don’t have to look so embarrassed about it.

Xavier likes to flaunt his status a little; he fixes your hair and dusts off your clothes. He would do this for you even if he wasn’t jealous, but it’s a bonus that it gets others to back off and gets your attention on him with your cute little pout.

Worse comes to worst, he isn’t afraid of using underhanded methods to fail any attempt at someone else trying to steal you away from him; even if that means knocking out the streetlights with his Evol to get your coworker to go home early (who even takes 20 minutes to say goodbye anyway? Someone with ill intentions, that’s who.).

He’ll deny it. Deny. Deny. Deny. He’s not jealous. He just wants to know more about your friend. How long have you known each other? Do you go out at night together? Why not invite him sometimes? It takes a few pokes to get him to admit it.

Jealous Xavier can be a moody Xavier; he’s usually calm and easygoing, patient with most of the world except with those who try to flirt with you, and you, if you should flirt back. Though, he has no problem reminding you why he is the only one you should have eyes for whether it be through words, action, or…other methods best left after dark.

It’s obvious when Rafayel is jealous.

It starts as jokes, usually, with a light dust of jealousy like sprinkles on a donut.

“What’s your new friend like? Are they more fun than me,” he asks, trying to coax you into admitting how much more you like him, a little to assuage his jealousy and a little to stroke his own ego.

He’s confident in being your partner and having a bond that has lasted millenniums. So, when a random likes you, it’s usually not a huge deal. He can confidently deal with it, wrapping an arm around your waist or shoulder and putting on his charm as he calls you honey with a lift to his voice, as if he didn’t notice the person who was trying to flirt with you.

His jealousy can even be funny sometimes even cute. He’ll get this pouty look on his face whenever you place your attention on animals, cooing and petting them. He even gets jealous of your dear child, Reddie, from time to time. You love that clumsy fish so much. It couldn’t even stop itself from being caught by humans. Why would you want to play with Reddie so much when you already got a fish you can pet. Please pet him.

 When his jealousy gets really bad though, he can be snippy. He’s vindictive, asking if you forgot about him and if you wouldn’t rather hang out with your other boyfriend. His jokes become a little less funny and a little meaner, and he’ll be quick to demand an explanation in a voice a little tighter and bitter than you’re used to from him.

If you get mad and try to leave, he’s pulling you back. He doesn’t actually want you to go but he’s too stubborn to admit that maybe he’s being jealous over nothing.

He just doesn’t want you to forget him again.

On the other hand, seeing you jealous? He eats it up. 

Zayne doesn’t like his jealousy.

He tries to play it cool and be mature about these things. He’d never interrupt you talking to another person, but he most definitely watches the situation out the corner of his eye. He wants to digest every word and every bit of body language he can about the situation, going as far as pretending to work to have an excuse to stay and listen in.

Zayne wants to be rational about things, but he’s never been completely rational when it comes to you. You have a bad way of making him act out of character (or passionately as you call it).

This emotion always sneaks up on him unexpectedly and makes him clumsier than normal. He’ll give himself away easily, asking about your plans with the other person or if you noticed the lovesick puppy look they gave you when you looked their way. It makes him blush when you mention that you adore his puppy eyes more. If he says he doesn’t do that, well, you’ll simply have to call Dr. Greyson and Yvonne to back you up.

Zayne can be very picky about other people trying to take your time, like not wanting someone else to dance with you or take you out to a new tourist location; he always promises his free time to you, the little he has of it, so he requests that you wait for him. He’ll accompany you wherever you want to go.

Zayne is very jealous of others who can make you laugh. He really likes how easygoing, talkative, and animated you are so he gets insecure when someone else can make you act that way better than he can; however, he feels selfish because you’re happy and that should be enough.

In the end, he blames himself for his own jealousy, questioning if he read too much into the situation or in your relationship. He’s the quickest to apologize for his jealousy if you pick up on it.

When Zayne thinks you are pursuing someone else, he becomes blunter. He suddenly has a lot more relationship advice about being careful who you keep in your company and warning you to make sure there’s no doubt when deciding on something important like your partner. He also tends to cut conversations about any other potential partner you might like short and unintentionally be rude to your love interest.

That’s not to say he won’t try to win you over; when push comes to shove and the risk of losing you becomes too great, he isn’t afraid to finally tell you how he feels in the best way he can. All he can do is try. 

If you don’t like him back, he will allow jealousy to silently have him, choosing to suffer in it, as long as you’re happy with whoever you choose.

However, that does not mean he has to like your partner as well. And if they ever hurt you, he rather not think of what he’d do if that should happen.

[khioneee]

toji is grumpy, but affectionate.

his grumpiness was a given, but beneath that perpetual scowl, there was a man starved for your affection—and when he didn’t get it, things could get complicated.

‘yeah, yeah. you’re cute. just stop smiling at me like that,’ he mutters, looking away as you hand him a grocery list. his rough tone contrasts with the warmth flickering in his eyes, but he’ll be damned if he lets you catch him enjoying the sight of your grin.

‘i don’t like people, but you’re an exception,’ he grumbles, tugging at the collar of his shirt as you both enter a crowded party. you’d dragged him here, promising it wouldn’t be so bad. he didn’t want to come, but for you? he always did.

‘you’re talking too much,’ he says, voice low and impatient as you rambled angrily about your day. before you can finish, he grabs you by the waist, pulling you against him with a huff. ‘just shut up and let me hold you.’ and you do, nestling into his chest, his arms wrapping around you as if he’s been waiting for this all day.

but today? you missed every single one of his hints—his lingering glances, the little touches on your arm, even the way he stayed annoyingly close. now, with his arms crossed and a deep frown etched on his face, toji leans against the wall, glaring at you like you committed a crime.

‘you really didn’t notice, huh?’ he grunts, annoyance laced in his voice. he’s been subtle—or at least, what he thinks is subtle—and now he’s pissed you didn’t pick up on it.

‘notice what?’ you ask, confused but amused by his sulky demeanor.

toji clicks his tongue, running a hand through his hair in frustration. ‘you’ve been ignoring me all day, and now i gotta ask for it outright?’

before you can respond, he grabs your wrist, pulling you into him in one swift motion. his strong arms wrap around you, holding you so tight it’s almost possessive. ‘there,’ he mutters against your hair. ‘now stay. and don’t move until i’m done.’

and just like that, the tension melts away. toji may act grumpy, but all he really wants is your affection and once he has it, he’s not letting go anytime soon.

[dippindaz]

Robin x girl reader who she crushes on who is super girly and super popular and super into Robin … even makes her friends go to Scoops Ahoy

Thank you for requesting! I love Robin’s character and Maya Hawke is sooooo gorgeous!

Entirely fluff and awkwardness :)

The fluorescent lights of Starcourt Mall always had a way of making the world feel like it was encased in bubblegum. Everything was vibrant, alive, a little too shiny—and yet, you couldn’t get enough. Scoops Ahoy sat like a beacon in the middle of the chaos, the nautical-themed ice cream shop that had become your favorite spot for reasons you hadn’t exactly shared with your friends.

“Seriously, why are we here again?” one of them whined, flipping her glossy hair over her shoulder as she scrolled through her compact mirror.

“Because I’m craving a triple scoop of mint chocolate chip,” you lied smoothly, tugging your friends along as you practically skipped toward the counter.

You didn’t even look at the menu. You didn’t have to. Your focus was already locked on the counter, where Robin Buckley was leaning against the register, fidgeting with the brim of her ridiculous sailor hat.

She was talking to her co-worker, Steve Harrington, but you noticed the subtle way her eyes kept flicking toward the door, as though she was waiting for something—or someone. The thought made your stomach flutter.

You smiled, tilting your head in what you hoped was a casual, disarming way. “Hey, Robin,” you called as you approached the counter, your voice a little too bright.

Her head shot up, and for a moment, there was that look—the one you’d been hoping for, the one that made her blue eyes widen just slightly before she composed herself. “Oh, uh, hey! Back again, huh?��

You shrugged, resting your elbows on the counter as your friends groaned in the background. “What can I say? You make a mean scoop.”

Steve snorted, clearly amused, but Robin shot him a glare that could’ve frozen the ice cream behind her. “Ignore him. What’ll it be today?”

Your friends placed their orders begrudgingly, but when it was your turn, you lingered, propping your chin on your hand as you watched Robin scoop ice cream with practiced ease.

“So, Robin,” you began, feeling bolder than usual. “How’s life in the high seas treating you?”

She blinked at you, clearly caught off guard, before breaking into a shy smile. “Oh, you know. Swabbing the deck, dodging mutinies. The usual.”

It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make your heart race.

Robin handed you your cone with a slight quirk of her lips, her fingers brushing yours in the exchange. It was fleeting—probably nothing, realistically—but you felt the warmth linger as though she’d branded it there.

“You’re getting pretty good at this whole sailor thing,” you teased, taking a small, deliberate lick of your ice cream. “Might want to be careful. They’ll promote you to captain soon.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she ducked her head to busy herself with organizing the counter, even though it was already spotless. “Yeah, well, don’t hold your breath. The perks of this gig top out at free ice cream.”

“And yet, you wear that hat so well.”

Steve let out an exaggerated cough that sounded suspiciously like he was trying to hint at something, but you ignored him, watching Robin instead.

Her smile grew, just enough to make her look like she might actually be enjoying this, even if she didn’t quite know how to respond. “So,” she said, fidgeting with the scoop in her hand. “Are you, uh… planning to stick around the mall today?”

Your heart leaped at the question. It wasn’t much—just small talk, really—but the hope in her voice wasn’t lost on you.

“Maybe,” you said, pretending to be nonchalant as you leaned against the counter. “Depends. Are you offering a guided tour of Scoops Ahoy? Or, better yet, free samples?”

This time, she laughed outright, a soft, warm sound that sent a thrill through you. “I think my boss would kill me if I started handing out freebies to every pretty girl who walked in.”

You froze. Robin froze.

Her face turned crimson as she realized what she’d said, and she immediately began stammering. “I mean—not that I think you’re—I mean, not that you’re not—but I didn’t mean—”

“Relax, Buckley.” Steve’s voice cut through her panic, lazy and amused as he leaned against the wall of the counter. “Pretty sure she’s into it.”

Robin glared daggers at him, but you couldn’t stop the grin spreading across your face. “Well, I can’t exactly deny it,” you said, your voice light. “You do have good taste.”

Robin blinked at you, clearly caught between mortification and disbelief.

Steve muttered something under his breath about getting out of the splash zone before retreating to the back of the shop, leaving the two of you alone at the counter.

You leaned in just slightly, your voice softening. “For the record, I think you’re pretty cute too.”

Robin stared at you like she wasn’t sure if this was real. “Y-you do?”

“Yeah,” you said with a wink. “And I wouldn’t mind more guided tours—or, you know, just seeing you around.”

Her lips parted, but whatever response she might’ve had was cut off by a loud, impatient sigh from one of your friends.

“Are we done here?” they asked. “We’ve been standing in this ice cream shop forever.”

You shot them an apologetic look, then turned back to Robin, lowering your voice. “I’ll see you soon.”

And with that, you walked away, the sweet taste of mint chocolate chip on your tongue and the even sweeter thrill of Robin’s flustered expression burning in your memory.

—————————————————————————

The mall was buzzing with its usual weekend chaos, but you barely noticed as you strolled past shop windows, your friends chatting animatedly beside you. Your thoughts were elsewhere—back at Scoops Ahoy, replaying Robin’s flushed cheeks and the way her words had stumbled over each other like she could barely keep up with her own thoughts.

“She’s so into you,” one of your friends said, snapping you out of your daydream.

“What?” You blinked at her, hoping you hadn’t been caught staring off into space.

“Robin. The sailor girl,” she clarified, rolling her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you missed it. The way she was looking at you? That was, like, painfully obvious.”

Your heart skipped a beat, but you shrugged like it was nothing. “You think so?”

“I know so.” She nudged you playfully. “You’ve got her wrapped around your finger. So what’s the plan? Are you finally going to make a move, or is this going to be another one of your endless crushes that we have to hear about forever?”

You bit your lip, pretending to consider her words even as excitement bubbled in your chest. “I don’t know,” you said, feigning nonchalance. “Maybe I’ll just keep stopping by for ice cream and see what happens.”

The truth was, the idea of making a move—of being bold enough to tell Robin how you felt—terrified you. She was so different from anyone you’d ever been interested in before. She wasn’t just a crush; she was Robin, with her quick wit, her awkward charm, and the way she seemed completely unfazed by what anyone thought of her.

You spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the mall with your friends, but when they finally decided to head home, you found yourself backtracking—alone this time—toward Scoops Ahoy.

Robin was still behind the counter when you walked in, her sailor hat now slightly askew as she restocked napkins. She glanced up at the sound of the door and froze when she saw you, her expression shifting from surprise to something softer, almost hesitant.

“Back again?” she asked, her voice a little quieter this time.

“Couldn’t stay away,” you said with a smile, stepping up to the counter. “Besides, I think you owe me a tour.”

Robin’s mouth opened, then closed, and you could practically see the wheels turning in her head. For a second, you thought she might panic again, but then she set down the stack of napkins and leaned on the counter, mirroring your stance.

“Okay,” she said, her voice steadying. “Where do you want to start?”

Your grin widened. “Surprise me.”

Robin straightened, grabbing a spoon from the counter before gesturing for you to follow her around to the back. You slipped past the counter, ignoring the curious glance Steve shot you from where he was mopping the floor.

“This,” Robin began, holding up the spoon dramatically, “is the official Scoops Ahoy scooping utensil. Not just anyone can wield one of these, you know. It takes skill.”

You laughed, playing along. “And you’re the best of the best, right?”

“Obviously.”

She led you through the small, cramped space behind the counter, pointing out various ice cream tubs and joking about the “rigorous training” required to learn their names. But even as she kept up her playful commentary, you could tell she was nervous—her movements a little too quick, her jokes coming out slightly rushed.

When she finally turned to face you again, her eyes flicked to yours, and for a moment, the humor faded. “So… why are you really here?”

The question caught you off guard, but you didn’t look away. “Because I like talking to you,” you said simply.

Robin stared at you, her expression unreadable, and for a second, you worried you’d said too much. But then her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile, and she ducked her head.

“I like talking to you too,” she admitted, so quietly you almost didn’t hear her.

Robin’s words hung in the air, soft and uncertain, and your heart felt like it might burst. You didn’t want to push her too far, but something about the way she looked at you—like she wasn’t used to anyone paying attention—made you want to be brave.

“Good,” you said, your voice steady despite the way your stomach was doing somersaults. “Because I was starting to think you didn’t notice me.”

Robin blinked, caught off guard. “Are you kidding?” she said, a nervous laugh escaping her. “You’re, like, impossible not to notice. I mean, you’re…” She trailed off, gesturing vaguely toward you. “You.”

Your lips twitched into a smile. “Is that a compliment?”

She rubbed the back of her neck, her cheeks a deep shade of red. “Uh, yeah. Definitely. A compliment. A hundred percent.”

You took a small step closer, closing the distance between you. “For the record, I notice you too. A lot.”

Robin’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t move away. Instead, she glanced down at the spoon still in her hand, twisting it nervously. “Why me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The question broke your heart a little. How could she not see it?

“Because you’re smart,” you said softly. “And funny. And way cooler than you give yourself credit for. And because…” You hesitated, taking a breath. “Because every time I see you, my day gets better.”

Robin looked at you like she didn’t quite believe what she was hearing. Then, after a beat of silence, she said, “That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair?”

“That you can just say stuff like that and not completely fall apart.”

You laughed, and the sound seemed to put her at ease, her shoulders relaxing just a little.

“Robin,” you said gently, reaching out to take the spoon from her hand and set it on the counter. “I think you’re amazing. And I’d really like to take you out sometime. If you want.”

For a moment, she didn’t say anything, her eyes darting between yours like she was searching for the catch. But then, slowly, she nodded. “Yeah,” she said, her voice soft but certain. “I’d like that.”

Your smile widened, and before you could stop yourself, you leaned in and pressed a quick, light kiss to her cheek. Robin froze, her face turning bright red, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she let out a breathless laugh, her lips curving into a shy smile.

“Wow,” she said, brushing her fingers over the spot where you’d kissed her. “You’re, uh, really good at this.”

“Only because I’ve been thinking about it for weeks,” you admitted with a grin.

Robin shook her head, still smiling as she glanced toward the front of the shop. “Steve is never going to let me live this down.”

“Who cares what Steve thinks?” you said, taking her hand in yours. “I think you’re worth it.”

She stared at your hand for a moment, then squeezed it gently, her smile soft and full of something you couldn’t quite put into words. “You’re really something else, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” you teased. “Now, how about that date? I hear that new diner is cozy on Friday nights say at… 7pm?”

Robin laughed, her nerves melting away as she stepped closer. “Yeah,” she said, her voice warm. “I think I’d like that.”

“I’ll pick you up then…” you murmured, your eyes flicking to her lips then back up.

You swung your foot out to turn yourself around but before you could, Robin placed a hand on your shoulder and quickly pressed her lips against yours, though she pulled back almost as swiftly.

You hadn’t expected it and you could feel the blood rushing to your cheeks.

“Thanks,” you giggled. “I’ll see you then.”

“Yeah, I’ll uh— I’ll see you.” She murmured.

You walked out from behind the counter, then walked backwards so you could look at Robin as you walked to the door of Scoops Ahoy. Robin was watching you, a smile plastered on her face and a laugh that melted your heart as you stumbled over your feet.

As you left the shop warmth overtook your chest and a giddiness that made you want to jump up and squeal wracked your brain. You could just feel it in your gut, this was the silly start to something really really good.

[gaybatmanenthusiast]

STOLEN GLANCES (oneshot)

(GALLY X M! READER)

⋆★ word count : 810

⋆★ warnings : n/a

⋆★ summary : M/N harbours a small crush on Gally but keeps it a secret out of nervousness. Unbeknownst to M/N, Gally is aware of his feelings and finds amusement in the way M/N acts around him.

⋆★ extra : this has been in the drafts for a whileee,,, I just didn’t like the writing to be honest but a fic is a fic so here we are

The Glade was buzzing with its usual activity. Runners were preparing for their daily venture into the Maze, Builders were reinforcing the walls, and the Cooks were bustling around preparing breakfast. Amidst all this, M/N tried to keep his eyes off the one person who made his heart race: Gally.

It wasn’t easy. Gally had a presence that was hard to ignore. Strong, confident, and always in control, he commanded respect without even trying. M/N couldn’t help but admire him from afar, his feelings a mixture of awe and a small, fluttering crush. He kept his distance, though, too nervous to let his feelings show.

“Hey, M/N!” Gally’s voice cut through M/N’s thoughts, making him jump. He turned to see Gally striding over, a small smirk playing on his lips. “You’re daydreaming again. What’s on your mind?”

M/N’s heart skipped a beat. “Uh, nothing much. Just thinking about the run today.”

Gally raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Really? Because it looked like you were thinking about something a lot more interesting.”

M/N felt his face heat up, he started picking at his skin nervously. “No, just... just the run.”

Gally chuckled, clapping a hand on M/N’s shoulder. “Relax, I’m just messing with you.” He lingered for a moment, his touch warm and reassuring, before heading back to his work.

M/N let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding. Gally had that effect on him—making him nervous and flustered with just a few words. Little did he know, Gally found it endearing.

Throughout the day, M/N tried to focus on mapping the maze, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Gally. Every time he saw Gally, his stomach did a little flip. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep his feelings hidden.

Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the runners came back and the rest of the gladers gathered for dinner, M/N found himself sitting across from Gally. The firelight cast flickering shadows, and Gally’s eyes seemed to glint with mischief.

“M/N, you’re awfully quiet tonight,” Gally observed, leaning forward. “Something on your mind?”

M/N fumbled with his fork, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. “Just tired, I guess.”

Gally smirked, clearly not buying it. “You know, if something’s bothering you, you can always talk to me.”

M/N swallowed hard, his nerves fraying at the edges. “I know. Thanks, Gally.”

Gally’s gaze softened, and for a moment, M/N thought he saw something deeper in those eyes. But the moment passed, and Gally leaned back, returning to his meal. “Just remember that, okay?”

M/N nodded, his heart pounding. He was grateful for Gally’s concern, even if it made him more nervous. As the night wore on, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Gally knew more than he let on.

The next morning, M/N was preparing to head into the Maze with Minho when Gally approached him again. “Hey, M/N. Be careful out there today, alright?”

M/N looked up, surprised by the concern in Gally’s voice. “I will. Don’t worry.”

Gally nodded, his expression serious. “Good. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

M/N’s heart soared at the words, but he forced himself to stay calm. “I’ll be fine, Gally. Promise.”

Gally’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “I’m holding you to that.”

As M/N ran through the Maze, his thoughts kept returning to Gally. The way he seemed to care, the subtle hints in his words and actions. It was almost as if Gally knew how he felt, but M/N couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Minho picked up on M/N’s mind wondering while running around, giving glances his ways but he decided not to mention it.

When he returned to the Glade that evening, exhausted but unharmed, Gally was there to greet him. “Made it back in one piece, I see.”

M/N smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. “Yeah. Like I said, nothing to worry about.”

Gally’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Good. Because I’d hate to lose my favourite runner.”

M/N’s breath caught, his heart pounding. “Gally, I...”

Gally held up a hand, his expression softening. “It’s alright, M/N. I know.”

M/N stared at him, wide-eyed. “You know?”

Gally nodded, stepping closer. “Yeah, I know. And for what it’s worth, I like seeing you nervous around me. It’s kind of cute.”

M/N’s face flushed, but he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Gally laughed, a sound that made M/N’s heart flutter. “Maybe. But I think we make a pretty good team, don’t you?”

M/N nodded, feeling a sense of relief and happiness he hadn’t expected. “Yeah. We do.”

As they stood together, the Glade bustling around them, M/N realised that maybe, just maybe, his feelings weren’t as hidden as he thought. And that was perfectly okay.

[chaosduckies]

Friends in Small Places (Chapter 2)

Whattt two chapters in the span of two days? Wow even I’m surprised. But thank you for all the support on the first chapter! I hope you enjoy this one too!

Word Count: 4.2k

CW: Major Anxiety, slight dehumanization

2-Liam 

The rest of the day was spent just getting used to everything. There was no way for me get onto anything without climbing, which by the way, I had had zero upper body strength.  They didn’t really think through with this, did they? But otherwise, it wasn’t so bad. Cas pretty much left me alone, though I’m sure he wanted to talk. I would have liked to, but I was afraid I’d do something stupid. My sleeping situation wasn’t really the best either, considering I was too afraid to be held, let alone carried, so I was left with just sleeping on the floor. I wasn’t too picky about it, but I guess Cas felt bad and brought over blanket and just folded it a couple of times to act as a mattress and a blanket at the same time. 

I woke up a little earlier than I usually do to get ready to go to classes. I don’t really understand how they expect me to keep up with everything all at once, but hey, college. They don’t care about your personal problems. I hurried to grab my bag, then realized that I couldn’t exactly get out without turning the doorknob, which was currently fifty feet above me. I didn’t really want to wake up Cas, but I also didn’t want to be late for class. Which one was a better option? Waking up Cas. How was I going to do it? I had no idea. There was no harm in at least trying though, right? 

His room was pretty small, only fitting a twin-sized bed with a small desk that had what looked like a couple of notebooks. Cas was sleeping his bed, the blanket almost covering up his entire face. I sucked in a deep breath, forcing words to come out of my mouth. 

“Cas?” He didn’t hear. 

I moved a little closer from my spot on the ground, not minding the dark abyss that was under his bed. Totally not creeped out. 

“Cas!” He moved around now, but didn’t wake up. I was starting to get worried before a loud alarm rang high above me, but still hurting my ears. I covered them up, pressing my back against what I was hoping was his nightstand. So loud… My head was slightly throbbing, but finally the alarm was turned off. I looked up, seeing Cas yawning then struggle to sit up. He groaned, his eyes drowsily staring down at the floor, then trailed off to me. Maybe I should have just waited. Why does he have an alarm set anyways? Did he have somewhere to be? 

“Sorry! I’m so sorry.” He apologized, sitting on the floor so he was’t looming over me as much. Why was he worrying about me? My entire job was to be worried about him. Literally. Still, it made me feel a bit better to think that he’s self-aware of everything he does. 

“You’re fine! It was just a little loud.” I laughed nervously, still messing with my ears to make sure I could still hear properly. Cas’s hand moved closer to me, retracting almost immediately. My heart was beating fast, but I never flinched. Mostly because I think I was just frozen in fear for that split second, but still. Does that count as something? 

“Did-Did you need something?” He asked, fidgeting with his hands as if he was distracting himself from something. Was I also getting the subtle hint that something else was wrong? What could it be? Did I somehow hurt his feelings? I hope I didn’t… I would feel bad, plus I’d have to figure out some way to calm him down when I’d probably be less than an inch tall to him. I hope that never happens, but I’m sure it’s inevitable. 

“Just if y-you could open the front door. I-I have classes to go to. P-Please?” My voice came out a little shaky, and I could only assume that Cas didn’t ignore it. Instead, he tried his best to give a smile while nodding his head, “Do you mind waiting a minute? I’ve gotta get dressed.” He moved out of the way for me to walk over to the door. As soon as I took a few steps out, he lightly closed his door behind me. What does he have to get dressed for? Why so early in the morning too? 

It only took him around five minutes to get dressed and all ready, wearing a similar long sleeve shirt as yesterday and a pair of slightly baggy sweatpants. Seriously, where was he going? I guess he has his own reasons. It’s probably best if I don’t ask until later, when we actually get to know each other better. Plus, it’s mostly likely going to be something with the SSU anyways. He does have a red band after all. It’s not really my place to ask. 

“Do you um, know how long you’ll be gone?” Cas asked sadly. Like he didn’t want me to leave in the first place. Would he feel lonely? It would make sense. Could I just stay here? I wouldn’t think so in all honesty. I would hate for something bad to happen while I was gone. What if something actually does? Would I be held responsible? Of course I would. It’s stupid to even think that I wouldn’t. What if I just gave Cas my number? If there really was a problem then the school would be forced to let me go handle it. But hopefully it’ll never come to that. 

“Just until around two. I-I can give you my number if anything happens. Would that help?” I explained, doing my best to hide how shaky my voice was. My head was getting a little dizzy from staring up at him the entire time. Couldn’t he be a human height? Or was it just hard for him? Most likely the latter. I feel like if he’s so scared of hurting someone at the size he’s at right now, then he’d definitely want to be human sized. Maybe I could help him work on that? Would that make him feel better about himself?

Cas stared at me a little shocked, just about to reach for the door handle. He gave an unsure look before sitting down a little closer to me and pulling out his phone with a shaky hand. Was he scared? Of what? My heart fell, not seeing how someone who held so much power could feel scared. 

He turned his phone to face me, the screen dimmed and the keypad already out. I thought he was going to just say his out loud, but I guess this works too. I typed my number in, having to reach far above my head to reach the top numbers, but otherwise I managed it. 

I nodded while stepping back, seeing the shock on his face reappear as he clicked a button. His eyes darted between me and his phone. Thinking about what to text? I guess he didn’t want to say something stupid? My phone went off soon enough. I dug it out of my pocket in my bag and looked, smiling. 

Unknown: Thank you 

“Anytime.” Cas gave the best smile he could muster, slowly standing up and opening the front door. The sun was barely rising, and there a few people leaving for what I was guessing work. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to walk by next to them. It hasn’t even been a full day with Cas and I’m already wary about being next to him when he’s walking around the place. Though, I do catch him almost constantly checking the ground for anything. Or anyone. It was oddly… relieving. 

I stepped outside, taking a few steps outside and waiting for the door to close behind me, but instead, Cas walked outside too stepping slightly over me to lock the door behind him. I’m surprised I didn’t run off that very second. My heart started racing fast and my body trembled a little. Even after all of that I didn’t move. But he just stepped over me like a bug. Nonono. He doesn’t think that, does he? I’d sincerely doubt it. He probably just didn’t realize. All the more reason to watch where I am and where he is at all times. 

We both went in opposite directions, Cas mouthed a goodbye before walking off. I guess everything will be alright. What could go wrong? Just that something happens to Cas and then he shifts, I get in trouble for it, spend the rest of my life in jail for abandoning my “job” that I’m not even being paid for, and then eventually face the damage and destruction that could have been avoided if I had just stayed with him. Don’t think about it… 

Yeah, yeah, it’ll be fine. Just go through the day like any other, come back, and everything will be fine. Yup. It’ll play out just like that. I won’t even have to see Cas calling me. Everything will go just as I played it out in my head. I go to my classes, hang out with my friends for a while, then head back and Cas is a-okay. This is exactly how it’s going to go. Because I don’t think I can handle what would happen if it didn’t. 

——————

Halfway through day I sat through a lecture for my anatomy class. Apparently human jaws are just a strong as a sharks, but our minds just don’t let us use all of the strength. Cool, right? But that was currently not on my mind as I felt my phone vibrating in my back pocket. The person sitting beside me glared. I smiled nervously as I looked for Chelsey in my seat, who was sitting on the other side of the classroom. I stood up, hoping no one would mind and walked up to her. We were both friends, even if we barely talk. Only at small gatherings or when she helps me with studying everyone once in a while. 

“Hey Liam!” She piped up, her usual cheery self. I held up my phone, a worried look on my face, “I-I, um, I need to go…” She would understand, right? She was also assigned to a shifter after all. She looked at me confused, then made a shocked face, her lips forming an “o” while nodding her head. 

“I’ll cover for you. It’s not like they can get mad at you anyways.” She whispered. I whispered a thank you before rushing to grab my bag and walk out of the room. At the time, the professor wasn’t even in there, so I hope Chelsey would help me out. But I trust her. 

I dialed Cas back, hearing it ring for several seconds before he picked up. I wasn’t actually expecting something to happen! My only problem was how I was going to get there. It’s a thirty minute drive just to get to the other side of the city! I’m a college student without my own car, which isn’t really the best outcome right now. 

“Hey! Um, are-are you alright?” I stuttered, almost running to catch a taxi- or really anything that could get me there in time. No bus came here around this time. 

“N-Not real-“ I heard a loud thump! “Ouch- on second thought you don’t have to come here.” He nervously laughed, groaning immediately after. What was that sound? Did he hit something? I bit the bottom of my lip, slightly terrified of what I’ll see when I get there. If I ever will anyways. 

“Just take deep breaths, okay? I-I’ll be there as fast as I can.” I rushed down the street to an empty taxi, opening the back door and saying the address to the driver who was actually extremely nice. 

“I-I’m sorry to ask this, but how long until we get there?” I sadly asked, feeling bad that I might be placing pressure on him. Instead, he just laughed, “I know a shortcut, around a fifteen minute drive from here.” 

“Thank you so much.” I sighed, handing him a twenty dollar bill. I only really had to pay around ten dollars, but the extra ten won’t hurt. The older man gasped before he heard a loud noise come from my phone. I jumped, extremely worried now, “Cas, you good?” 

He didn’t answer for a while, and when he did, his voice came out pained. Kind of like how you sound when you’re losing your voice, “Yeah, yeah. I just hit the ceiling-“ Hit the ceiling? Is he being serious? There’s no way. How could I even-  So how small would I be to him? Would he even see me? They should’ve switched Ryan and I. At least he’s a shifter too so maybe it would’ve been easier for him. Instead they get an insignificant, little human who can’t even do a single thing right. 

“Okay, um, c-can you wait fifteen minutes?” 

“Yeah, I think so.” He groaned, moving around to what was hopefully a more comfortable position for him. The driver looked at me confused. 

“…Do you want me to stay on call?” I asked quietly, extremely scared of what I’ll see in about ten minutes. 

“Yes! I-I mean, yes please.” He immediately replied. I was a little shocked, but at least maybe I could delay the inevitable. For about ten minutes. Not really that long but it’s fine. Hahaha- yup. I’m totally not going to be around a literal titan and have to try to calm them down. What even made him lose control? He seemed okay before. Maybe it was when he went out? 

“Hey, if it’s alright to ask, what happened?” I kept my voice calm and collected even though everything in my body wanted to jump out of this car right now and make a run for it. 

“Just some new pills that the company gave me this morning. They’re supposed to help me stay at a human size, but they’re still working out a few things. Ow-“ He sucked in a sharp breath on the other end. The company gives him pills? They didn’t bother to mention that to me? I think the more shocking news was that he needed pills to help him stay at a human size. So he just can’t regularly? Or maybe that’s just for shifters with a red band? That’s probably it. I didn’t know much about it though if I’m being honest. Most things about shifters are disclosed to only the SSU. 

“It hurts you?” My voice came out shocked as the driver took a right turn, entering the neighborhood and riding down the street. 

“Well, i-it’s not supposed to. It’s a new medicine they’re trying out.” He laughed nervously. Please don’t let me pass out. The house came into view. Nothing looked out of the ordinary thankfully. He can tell me all about whatever medicine they gave him after I deal with what’s happening inside. 

The driver stopped slowly at the house, looking back it then to me, “Are you sure this is the right house?” My body started shaking just thinking about walking in. What would happen? What if he doesn’t see me and moves in a wrong way? What would I even do if he couldn’t hear me? How do people do this for a living? 

“Oh y-yeah. Thank you so much!” I slammed the twenty I was still hanging on to on the passenger seat and rushed out of the car, grabbing my bag in the process. The taxi had left, and I started slowing down when I reached the door. Cas would have to open it. Because of course they don’t have anything human-sized. They just want to make my “job” harder. 

“Hey Cas, do you… you mind opening the door?” My voice quivered. As much as I tried to hide it, of course I can’t for forever. What kind of psychology student am I if I can’t even deal with my own thoughts and emotions? Why did I think I could handle someone else’s? Don’t think like that, you’ll be fine. I had to tell myself as the door opened. I didn’t look up, scared that if I did I’d just run off before I could even take a single step inside. 

I hung up the phone when I walked inside, trying to hide the fact that I could literally hear every single time Cas had moved, which wasn’t something that was happening before. A few deep breaths, and I forced myself to look up. It took everything in my will to not run. It’s like a fight or flight instinct. When a person see’s something big, or something that looks powerful, our instincts kick in. In my case, I had a third option. Stand absolutely still and quiet. 

Cas didn’t say anything either, squinting down at me with a sorry expression. Oh this is just going to be so… fun. 

———Cas———

There were no words to describe how terrified I was right now. Why did I call Liam in the first place? It was a stupid idea, but I didn’t want him to get mad at me for not telling him. I thought today would have been fine. I’ve been taking my anti-depressants and I’ve been trying to at least look happy just so Liam would think I wasn’t that bad, but apparently not. I know he’s scared too, but I didn’t entirely understand why he stays. The old therapist I had was mean and didn’t let me go anywhere without her. She would boss me around, and eventually she left because of some complaints. So why did I get the feeling that Liam was different? Because he was only a year older than me? Because, so far, he’s given me freedom to do what I wanted? 

Seeing him so tiny made everything in my body go on caution. I didn’t move at all as he stared up in horror. I tried my best to stay in a confined space, my head just barely inches from hitting the ceiling again. I kept my legs close to my chest, my arms around them. I try not to break anything while I’m this size, but somehow something always does. I never know what to do when I lose control of my emotions. It’s why I take so much medicine to make sure I don’t in the first place, but the company makes me and a lot of other people try out new pills they make once every other week. Sometimes it makes me stay at a human size for just a couple minutes, or sometimes it just makes me grow, like it did now. Or nothing happens besides making me feel sick for a day or two. They were trying to figure out a way to keep the shifters like me at a regular human size for longer than we can physically handle it. 

This time though, it hurt. It felt like something was ripping apart my abdomen from the inside. My heard hurt, a lot, and my muscles were killing me. It’s not like I could move though. I didn’t want to mess up the place, plus, Liam was here and I’d rather not hurt him. I really, really don’t want to hurt anyone. I can’t put the weight on my conscience. Then everyone would have a whole ew problem to deal with- and then I’d be blamed for everything. 

I winced when my head banged up against the ceiling again. Just calm down. Don’t make Liam do something he doesn’t want to-My eyes darted to where the tiny figure on the floor was, now shakily moving towards my hand. I let out a quiet yelp, moving my hand away and trying me best to keep my back pressed up against the wall behind me without breaking it. 

“Nonono, I’m fine I promise.” I laughed while putting on the best fake smile I could muster while wrapping an arm around the side of my abdomen, where it was throbbing the most. What did they even put in it this time? Why was he forcing himself to try and help me? I would be okay, right? I didn’t need to make him do anything. I could do this myself. I’m not even spiraling into my thoughts right now. Imagine what Liam must be thinking right now. “If he’s not even losing control of his emotions what would happen if he does?” I shuddered at the thought. It does get pretty bad though. I wonder if the others are going through with the same thing. 

I could tell that Liam was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t hear him. I didn’t really want to make him yell, but I also didn’t want to scare him half to death. 

“S-sorry, I can’t hear you… Is it okay if I move?” I asked, feeling a bit saddened. I wish I wasn’t even a shifter. I wouldn’t even be in this mess if I would’ve just stayed normal. Just like everyone else. I wouldn’t need to have someone watching over me constantly, I wouldn’t have to worry about hurting anyone smaller than me, maybe I could see my parents more than just once a month. My heart skipped a beat, and I knew that I couldn’t wait for some sort of confirmation if I could move. I hurried to lay down, flipping my stomach, trying to keep my limbs close my body. I groaned, knowing that I just made everything so much worse. 

I buried my head under my arms, facing the floor. I bit down on my jaw for a while while the abdominal pain started up again, then went away after a while. Okay, maybe the medicine isn’t the only thing making me shift sizes right now. Just calm down… take small breaths. 

“C-Cas, can you hear me now?” A worried and panicked voice filled my head. I peaked out, seeing Liam a small distance away from my face. But still too close for comfort. Please move away, I don’t want to hurt anyone. I thought to myself, thinking that if I talked it would only do more harm than good. 

“L-Look, u-um…” I could tell he was in a panic, and I wish that he wasn’t in the first place, “I-I don’t k-know. U-um, how about just a few deep breaths, ‘kay?” He took a few of his own, gripping a chunk of his shirt against his chest. I did as he told me too, finding that it was working just a little bit as I felt myself shrinking down a couple feet. 

“Is the medicine making you… grow?” He asked, confused, but also still under a small panic attack. My only answer was a slight nod, my heartbeat calming down, but the pain in my muscles and head never going away. Yup, tomorrow will just be a resting day at this point. I should probably clean up whatever mess I’ve made though. 

“Okay, think you can calm down enough to go back to the smallest size you can?” He breathed, his body trembling. He was still a student right? That would make sense. The therapist I used to have knew almost exactly what she had to do. Or at least what she thought, she needed to do. I only calmed down because she was practically threatening me at that point. Liam, on the other hand, apparently didn’t know what to do. Or maybe he did but he scared to do it. All I knew was that I’d have to listen to him to make his job easier. 

I nodded again, picking my body up as much as I could and trying to think about anything good. You’ll get to see your parents next week. Your old therapist is gone. And soon enough I was at my minimum at the moment. Liam was still extremely small, like a centimeter tall, which didn’t at all put me at ease, but I have no idea how long I’d be stuck at this size. Hours maybe? I laid back down on my stomach, groaning and facing the hard floor. 

“I’m so sorry.” I whispered. 

“It’s fine! It’s not your fault, I promise.” Liam explained, sitting down near my face again just so I could hear him. I would have preferred for him to be as far away as possible from me, but I can’t say anything. He is technically my boss after all. But it makes me kind of glad to think that he came over here just to help me out. I think I would have been fine either way, but it would’ve gone a lot slower.

“Are you okay though? You look pale.” He asked me. 

“Mhm. The pills this time just hurt a whole lot.” My head was throbbing. Why couldn’t I just be normal? I wouldn’t have to take those stupid testing pills in the first place. I felt my eyes closing. 

“Alright, how about you get some rest? Maybe you’ll feel better after?” He offered, I nodded my head while yawning and doing what he said. Yup. Hopefully I would. I just hope I don’t do something stupid while sleeping.  ——————

This is my first time writing some about sizeshifters so I think I’m doing an okay job at it?

And we finally get some g/t. Sort of I guess. I planned for this chapter to be longer, but then I didn’t want the one after to be too short. Aghhh idk

But thank you for reading! I hope you all have a great day/night :D

Taglist: @da3dm

[ninadove]

Luka Couffaine, First Kiss (curious to see what pairing you do)

You ask, but you already know:

“Wait, are you serious? You’re telling me you’ve never been kissed before?”

Adrien had heard those same words countless times — not-so-subtle flirting attempts, voiced by admirers who only knew him from posters and perfume bottles.

Spoken by someone he genuinely liked, they rang very differently.

“I’ve always managed to escape it,” he joked, sticking his tongue out in playful disgust. “Chat Noir’s been kissed many times, but I’ve been told none of these count.”

“How do they not count?” Luka asked, a false note echoing through the cabin as he tuned his guitar. “You either get a kiss, or you don’t.”

“I know!!! That’s what I’ve been saying!!!”

The older boy’s laughter ricocheted against the hull, softer than any melody he could ever play.

“What about you? Any luck in that department?”

“Not really, no.”

“How come?”

As soon as the question left his throat, Adrien felt the compelling need to smack his head against a wall. Luka, of course, sat there without a word, his smile as calm and forgiving as it always was.

“Ignore me. I’m an idiot.”

“What happened between Marinette and I was in no way your fault.”

“Still,” he mumbled. “I feel like it is. Just a little.”

A hint of hesitation passed through the older boy’s eyes — an unexpected wave in a usually serene sea.

“Well,” he finally spoke, “if you insist… I can think of a way you could make it up to me.”

It took Adrien a few seconds to put two and two together — but when he did, heat pooled in his cheeks, and he let out a very smooth:

“What?”

“Only if you want to,” Luka rushed out, leaning back out of reflex. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. It’s fine if you don’t —”

Before he could finish his sentence, Adrien’s hands were on his, gently freeing the guitar from his hold. He did not protest as it was tossed onto the electric blue blanket — removing the barrier that once stood between them.

“No, you’re absolutely right,” the younger boy said, heart pounding in his chest. “I do owe you a kiss, after all.”

SURPRISE I wrote another one:

“Really, Chaton? This is the hill you want to die on?”

Marinette approached her dating life the same way she did every aspect of her hero work: with careful planning, unfruitful overthinking, and a good dose of insanity.

Adding a third partner to the mix meant even more stress, more nonsense coming out of her mouth, more scenarii to catastrophize about; which is why she had planned every single detail of her conversation with Chat Noir and compiled her findings into a PowerPoint, complete with useful statistics and colour-coded charts. She was prepared to face any concern — any cause for conflict that might arise.

Anything, except that.

“All I’m saying,” her partner pouted, precariously perched on her desk in full costume, “is that I should get to be Luka’s first kiss.”

The young girl blinked, confusion and frustration clogging her brain.

“This is childish,” she mumbled, lowering her pointer and crossing her arms. “I just gave you a thirty-minute-long presentation on ethical non-monogamy, and this is all you have to say on the matter?”

“Yes,” he reiterated, mirroring her stance as he pouted.

In a way, she should have been grateful: this talk could have killed their relationship right then and there. Yet, despite all her research and rationalisation, she could not help but feel a tinge of jealousy tugging at her heart strings.

“Luka and I have dated in the past,” she mumbled, rubbing her temples. “He will be more comfortable if it’s me.”

“Nuh-uh.”

“What do you mean, ‘nuh-uh’?”

The cup she stored her pencils in had slid dangerously close to the edge of the desk; she gave her boyfriend a death glare, and he pushed it back against the wall, reluctantly.

“I mean you had your chance, and you blew it,” he retorted, pupils narrowing behind the mask. “It’s only fair that I get to do the honours.”

Marinette opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. She had to admit it: it was a pretty convincing argument.

“Fine,” she sighed, rolling her eyes in defeat. “You get to kiss Luka first.”

A huge grin painted Chat’s face, and well. It was very hard to fight against that.

“Provided he says yes to our little arrangement,” she added, brushing the wrinkles off her shirt.

“He will,” he reassured her. “You’re the best, M’Lady, and I’m, well, me.”

She could not help but chuckle as he pretended to kiss his own biceps.

“Should we tell him to drop by right now? The sooner you kiss him, the sooner I get to do so.”

“Sounds like a plan. Hey, can I borrow your chapstick?”

“No way! You have your own!”

“Strawberry is more appropriate for special occasions.”

She placed her hands on each side of the desk, trapping him in place, and gazed into the playful emerald eyes.

“Very well,” she said, moving her lips closer to his. “I guess you get to try the chapstick.”

Now on AO3 here and here!

Ask game here!

[periprose]

Florence - Chapter Three

After Sunday's rehearsal dinner, you, Peter, and MJ spend Monday together just relaxing and having fun- visiting a winery, then the beach, and finally having a movie night together. Peter gets more obvious in his flirting, and you become less confused about the whole thing.

friends to lovers, fluff, drunken moments, beach stuff, swimsuits, maybe a touch of accidental nudity, romance, mutual pining, and just a hint of lust

Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

The rehearsal dinner isn’t actually anything crazy- while you were at the cathedral, admiring the architecture and ignoring all the religious stuff, the workers of the Villa moved everything in place. All the outdoor tables, fancy chairs, but not the decorations yet: no long silk sashes and doilies, or flower centrepieces. It takes time to measure what should go where and how it will look. Of course, it looks great, just empty.

So everyone’s just chilling at the kitchen counter or the backyard, or the dining room part of the main hall. As much as MJ wants you guys to eat something all deluxe and fancy, Peter decides to go with Neapolitan pizza, which the chef makes pretty quickly.

“Ugh, you two are laying on thick. Keeping up with traditions and all that.” Logan comments, sipping on a beer as if he’d been through another war. Your dad has never been exact about what war that he’s a veteran of, but he kind of uses it as an excuse to be a grumpy asshole sometimes.

That, or you’re getting less sympathetic as you get older.

“Why don’t you hang out with the other adults, dad?” You voice your suggestion in a fake sugary-sweet tone, wanting him to leave, but Logan shakes his head.

“Maddy, Emily, and Philip are talking about wedding stuff- not my place to intervene.” Your dad gives you a look. “And I can read through your voice, kid. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

To your surprise, Logan fixes a glance at Peter, something kind of protective and fatherly overtaking his face as he takes another sip from his beer bottle, and Peter swallows, his adam’s apple bobbing down in fear. You have no idea what that’s all about- you know that your dad kind of knows how you feel about Peter, because you weren’t exactly subtle about it, but why would he shake down Peter with that kind of intimidating look, especially when he hasn’t done anything wrong?

Not anything intentionally, anyways, you remember with a sudden flip-flop of your stomach. You’ve slowly been getting a little too romantically inclined towards Peter, and you sternly remind yourself- friendship is what you’re supposed to be trying for.

The chef lays the pizza in it’s cast iron pan in front of you, and it looks delicious- red marinara sauce lightly slathered over a thin crust, large slices of mozzarella melting in their signature round shape, and little basil leaves sprinkled on top. It’s not too hot, actually, so Peter takes a slice, and you take one, and as you split them apart, a tendril of cheese hanging between the two of you.

Peter takes a bite, and he smiles eagerly as he chews it down and swallows. “Try it, Howlett.”

“Okay.” You take a bite, and weirdly enough, it tastes so close to the one you two would always get in Naples, and MJ smiles as recognition bursts on your face. “Wow, that’s really good-”

“I asked him to make it closer to how they do in Naples.” MJ is unable to let you finish your sentence, and it’s a very sweet, silly thing that of course MJ would do, and you are thankful because you were hungry for something familiar.

“So much for trying something kind of new.” Peter remarks, but he eagerly eats his pizza slice too, and MJ has a pleased grin on her face, because she’s always loved being generous. In small little actions like this.

Who wouldn’t love MJ? 

Even Logan takes a slice- he’s the type to survive off of maybe a morning coffee and bagel at times- and he, too, has a rare small smile as he eats it, and you wonder if something about MJ reminds him of Miss Grey. Logan walks away from the counter after finishing his slice, and you feel like that has everything to do with the similarities. The red hair, the kind smile, the understanding compassionate nature. Perhaps it’s too much for him at times.

You still don’t know your own mother, thanks to your dad’s inability to process emotional trauma.

“Remember when you burnt your tongue on the pizza? I think it was the summer before ninth grade?” Peter starts, and you snicker at that.

“Yeah, and I had to immediately steal your cold water because it hurt so bad.” You reminisce about how you took the cold bottle from Peter’s hands and chugged it, while Peter tried to steal it back. You finished it, and every Florence trip after that, Peter would always jokingly hold his water away from you.

MJ grins at the secret memory between you two- she’s not sure how you’ve both never noticed the sort of intimate shared life of experiences that are so clearly illuminated on your faces.

“Who wants a drink?” Harry interrupts, but everyone seems to be too tired for that, what with jet lag. “C’mon, guys! We’re supposed to be having the best week of our lives-”

“You don’t want to be hungover at your wedding, trust me.” Peter has that responsible look that he always has when he’s reeling Harry back in from his usual insanity. 

“So what? You think I want to remember a bunch of boring vows? You guys are boring as fuck.” Harry rolls his eyes, and starts shaking whatever he has in his mixer, and Peter can’t exactly stop him. 

“Babe, c’mon. I’ll drink with you, but these two are obviously tired.” MJ tries, and he looks at her, and sighs.

“Okay.”

/

The next morning, Harry is vomiting in his and MJ’s bathroom- you can hear it through the thinner walls, surely an aftermath of how many tequila shots he had yesterday- and you know today is supposed to be a chill day, so you just let it go. 

There’s a knock at your door- and you sleepily open it, rubbing your own eyes, unsure of who it could be.

It’s Peter, looking like he feels stupid. “Hey.”

“Hey?” You stare at him, raising your eyebrows. “What’s up?”

Peter is just slightly distracted by the fact that you seem to have gone to sleep in not regular jammies, but actually, just a giant T-shirt. It comes down to the halfway point of your thighs, just above your knees, and your bare legs are really, really distracting, because they look smooth and supple, and he kind of thinks about gripping them, so he forces himself to look up, not right at your eyes, because somehow you look especially cute when you’ve just woken up, but from where Peter’s eyes are resting, he’s pretty sure you’re not wearing a bra.

His unfiltered thoughts stop there as he clears his throat. Peter’s a grown man, and you’re totally allowed to do what you want with your body- he’s a feminist, as mentioned before when he punched the TSA guy.

But Peter can’t help but think there’s some level of bias in his actions, even if he pretends he’s just your friend who cares about women’s rights. There is something deep inside him that he doesn’t want to admit- that he’s into you, a little possessive over you now, and he doesn’t know why or where this feeling even came from.

Peter hopes you didn’t notice him staring at your chest. “I forgot to bring toothpaste.”

“Of course you did.” You drawl, not really paying attention to how Peter’s eyes are flickering up and down your figure, because you’re still kind of tired, and you turn around and enter your room, so Peter can follow you in. 

Obviously the first thing he does is check out your ass, which is just kind of peeking out of the bottom of your shirt, and your thighs again but this time from the back, which Peter swears is an entirely different thing that he needed to see for science. Even though he’s already weirdly known what your body has looked like for years, through different phases of childhood and teenage years- he’s feeling more attracted to you than usual, and he decides to blame his sleepiness. 

The idea that there is a usual level for attraction to you strikes him, and he ignores it. He follows you in to the bathroom, where you’re already brushing your teeth.

“Here. Crest 3D white toothpaste.” You hand the tube to him, your mouth foamy and speech kinda incoherent.

Peter takes it. “Thanks, Howlett.”

You spit into the sink. “Wouldn’t be a trip unless Peter Parker forgot something.”

“Oh, you mean how you forgot pants?” Peter snarks back, and he immediately, immediately regrets it, because he didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that he noticed your bare legs, but he guesses his mind was so preoccupied that that was what he ended up saying anyways.

He hopes it sounds innocent.

“Uh, it’s hot. I can’t sleep with pants.” You continue brushing your teeth. “You should try it sometime.”

Well, that didn’t really sound innocent either, and based on how your face is turning red, Peter can see that he’s not the only pervert around.

/

For a Monday morning, Harry is kind of incapacitated- to the point where MJ decides he’s had enough fun and needs to spend the day resting. She’s told the chef to prepare some kind of soup for him.

Logan is off hiking with Ben and May- they left so early you didn’t even get to say goodbye- and so you spend the late morning being lazy, eating scrambled eggs that you made on your own, toast, and some kind of cheese that crumbled really nicely over the whole thing.

MJ and Peter are really thankful that you know how to cook- Peter will eat convenience store garbage (you’ve spent many an evening in your childhood watching him scarf down a hot dog and an ICEE slushie) and fast food until his heart gives out- and MJ is pretty picky and only really loves preparing salads, rice noodles, and boiled chicken. Setting down breakfast in front of them is always fun, because even if you just know the bare minimum for an adult, these two are always so easily impressed that you feel like Jamie Oliver.

“So, did everyone sleep alright?” MJ says at the breakfast table, taking one large bite of the egg-toast. “Mhm. That’s really good.”

“Yeah, it was fine. This place is too luxurious to even complain about.” You comment, and Peter snorts.

“Yeah, if not for the fact that there was a pea under my mattress, I’d be fine.” He says in a snooty, noble tone, and you start laughing. “What, you know that’s how they talk. I’m sure Harry grew up speaking like that to his butler, right, MJ?”

She closes her eyes, and sips her tea. “No comment. I might have had to teach him normal English in grade nine.”

You always forget that technically MJ met Harry first, and then you and Peter and them became one group near the end of grade nine.

“So I’m guessing Harry talked like this: ‘Forsooth, this time, m’lady Mary Jane, I would love to have your gracious presence at my chalet in France.’” You start, and you sweep into a deep bow, and MJ starts giggling, her face turning red.

“No no, Howlett. You gotta think of when he probably tried to woo her.” Peter’s eyebrows scrunch, and then he gets off his chair and bows even further, his face brushing the ground in front of MJ’s chair. “Mine dearest Lady Mary Jane, would thee go for an amorous journey  to the theatre with me this nightfall?”

She laughs extra hard, and you know you’ve been beat. You’re laughing too- the you a couple weeks ago would’ve assumed Peter was flirting with her, but you can tell you both had the same intentions here. Peter’s just naturally very funny.

“I love you two.” MJ finally says, wiping a tear off her face, and you beam at her. “No, really, I do. I missed having you around me.”

“Well, don’t even worry. You can call us and we’ll try to be there.” Peter states, totally sure, and MJ gives him a sly look.

“You’re speaking for Lettie too? How do you know she’ll be free? Unless you’re just around her all the time.” MJ teases, and Peter’s face turns a very slight shade of pink.

Oh, so you’re not just imagining that weird tension that was there this morning. You have no idea why Peter would look at you like that, or why he’s being blushy now, but you know you don’t believe MJ’s theory on it.

“Well, we are neighbours… plus I know Howlett is a good friend. She would never purposefully leave someone alone like that, unless they did something wrong.” Peter sounds glum now, and there’s a bit of pointed blame at you- both you and MJ know that you tried to distance yourself from him.

So much for that. He coughs, and then shakes his head.

“Actually, it’s fine. Sorry. You wouldn’t be talking to me now if whatever it was.. was such a big deal, I guess.” Peter takes your empty plates and goes to wash them.

“What?” MJ mouths at you, but you shake your head.

/

“Whatever it was?!” MJ is shaking your shoulder while Peter is off to the side, photographing the Tuscan winery that you’re about to enter. You just told MJ that drinking two days in a row better not affect her, and she laughed and said as a model she’s done way, way worse.

“I don’t know what he means by that, either.” You shake your head, unsure of what to say, that apparently Peter had no idea that you were devastated by your unrequited crush on him. “I always thought it was obvious…”

Peter laughs as a small bird starts attacking his shoe, and he takes a picture of that, too. 

You always liked that Peter was good at photography. For one thing, it meant that he was great for asking to take pictures of special moments. And it was an easy way to get Logan to like him when you were both annoying children, and it was the only thing they had in common.

“Lettie. We have to tell him.” MJ is whispering, but you are so against that, you shake your head wildly.

Peter gives you a glance, momentarily perturbed, and you thumbs up at him. “That should be enough pics, right? Let’s go in.”

“One last one.” Peter turns the camera towards the three of you- a selfie- and MJ flashes bunny ears behind your head as she cutely poses, a pouty flirty look that comes so easily to her as a model, and you press your cheek to hers, grinning ear to ear. 

Peter looks bemused as he turns the camera over. “Huh. Who would’ve thought MJ wasn’t the only model around here?”

“Are you referring to yourself?” You joke drily, but Peter shakes his head, and doesn’t quite respond. He stares at you for a moment before opening the door to the winery.

“Is he oblivious? Is it intentional? How can you flirt but not get it?” MJ rambles on when Peter is out of earshot, and shakes her head before going inside with you.

/

The winery is very cozy. There’s loads of vines coming through the ceilings, and they stretch into a gazebo where you can sit and look at the acres of grapevines outside. The garden is huge, and there’s also apparently a whole basement full of barrels of wine and other alcohol.

MJ loves it. She’s somehow never been to an Italian winery despite having been everywhere, and she takes great joy in telling you how it differs from a French one.

Then the owner himself, upon seeing how beautiful MJ is, you’re guessing, allows you to have multiple samples. Red wine, white wine, rosé, and something called limoncello?

“Must be nice to get freebies all the time.” You comment, sipping on some red wine, and MJ shakes her head.

“If you were more confident you’d be getting stuff too.” She huffs, and then Peter snickers.

“You guys didn’t notice the owner hasn’t said one word to me, huh?” He crosses his arms. “Pretty privilege is totally real.”

The idea that Peter finds you just as pretty as MJ, supposedly, causes you to down your little sample cup of wine way more quickly. MJ hoots, clapping her hands.

“That’s what I’m talking about. I’m done with this, you want it?” She hands her sample cup to Peter, who shrugs with a fuck-it attitude, and drinks it.

MJ is delighted by the taste of the limoncello sample. It’s a pretty yellow liquer made from fresh lemons, and it tastes like a citrusy candy, very tart and zesty. It’s unique, but you can tell from the small shot you’ve had of it, you’re a little tipsy. It’s like 30% alcohol- definitely crazier than the wine you had before.

/

MJ buys not one, but seven bottles of the limoncello, planning to serve it at her wedding, as it matches so well with the lemon garden of the villa- but she’s also bought a bottle to drink right now, at the beach.

Tuscany has gorgeous beaches that Florence apparently lacks- so she’s quick to suggest a beach trip before heading back to the Villa. The only problem is that nobody has brought a swimsuit.

“That’s what shopping is for, Lettie. Take back a souvenir or something.” MJ is looking at tons of skimpy bikinis at the shop you’re currently at, but you’ve seen her in even less than that, so that’s not what worries you.

It’s just that she looks amazing in everything, and even if you’re being toxic about this, you really don’t want to be a before-picture to MJ’s after-picture. 

“When am I going to wear a swimsuit in the city?” You retort, but you still look through swimsuits, trying your best to pick out one pieces or two pieces that cover your middle. Very modest, hopefully flattering pieces.

But when you and MJ go into the change rooms- Peter waiting outside dutifully as a good male friend- she looks great in a white halter top bikini, white bottoms, and a pale blue, sheer sarong wrap skirt just for some coverage. It’s only her face that looks ticked off.

“Lettie, what the hell are you wearing?” She shakes her head, your attempts to explain falling on deaf ears. You are wearing a fully covered diving suit- only your hands, face, and feet are visible. “C’mon, it’s supposed to a hot girl summer. Not deep-sea diver summer.”

You laugh nervously at that, unsure of how to say that you don’t want your sedentary coding body out in the open.

“Peter, tell her.” MJ looks at him, and you look for his expression.

Peter looks deeply conflicted, and his eyes flit from you to MJ, before settling on his answer. “I think Howlett should wear what makes her comfortable?”

“You’re getting soft, Parker.” MJ warns with those steely green eyes, and she shoves you back into the change room. 

You watch as random swimsuits come over the wooden door, and sigh before trying the first one on. It’s a green bikini with flared long sleeves- giving more a cute 70s vibe, except it’s too long for your limbs. You show this to MJ, and she laughs before shutting the door and telling you the next one would be better. Peter tilts his head, nonchalantly trying to get a better view, before MJ shuts the door, and she gives him a pointed look while he stares at the floor.

You finally try on what seems uber flattering on you. The bikini top is a nice neutral blue, and it fits you well without any straining or bulging of your flesh. In fact, it kind of smooths out what you would normally consider flaws- or MJ’s confidence is rubbing off on you a little. The bottoms are kinda modest- they’re not leaving everything hanging out, but they’re still bikini bottoms, in the same shade of blue.

You don’t know where your confidence has gone, honestly, because you look in the mirror and you see… you see a pretty girl. A woman. You don’t know why the last time you wore a swimsuit was five years ago.

“Lettie, c’mon out already!” MJ calls, and you step out tentatively on your sandals, wrapping a beach shawl with sleeves around you just because you don’t want to be straight up naked in the shop.

“Wow.” MJ gives you a soft look. “Why are you always covered up?”

“MJ-”

“No, I’m serious. You look really hot, and this isn’t a ten-year-friendship thing where I have to say that.” MJ maintains. “This is with the critical analysis of a model- you look amazing.”

“I agree with MJ.” Peter nods, but his eyes can’t manage to meet your own. He’s trying not to accidentally think too much about how you look, like the time when he was fifteen and he saw you in your bikini and then maybe-on-purpose saved that mental image for later- he’s going to really struggle at the beach if he continues that behaviour now- but it’s not fair, is it? That you somehow managed to have the perfect proportions that drive him crazy and yet you’re also just so funny and sweet and he might be obsessed with you? It’s really your fault, he thinks. 

Peter clears his throat. “You look good, Howlett. Maybe those Logan genes are rubbing off on you?”

There’s a little more levity in the air as you ask, pretending to be outraged, if Peter is trying to fuck your dad.

Still, it’s that little comment, that you look good, that plays over in your head as you and MJ sit, Peter trying on his own swimsuits, and MJ says she needs to use the bathroom, so she’ll be back.

You knock on the door to tell Peter- and the door isn’t locked properly, so it nudges open, and for a split second you see Peter and his peter, and he’s stark naked but he quickly yanks his underwear back on- and you shut the door and shut your eyes, scandalized.

“...Sorry.” You call out. “I just wanted to say that MJ went to the washroom.”

“...That’s fine.” Peter says back, but that’s not really what you’re focused on, at all, and you feel like a guilty friend because you should have just yelled at him instead of knocking, and you should not be thinking about how hot Peter was naked, because it wasn’t his intention to show you that. 

But he was hot, wasn’t he, he just had to secretly have abs and arm muscles that you don’t really remember the nerdy teenage iteration of Peter having, and you don’t want to get too into it, but it’s been a while since you were around a naked man, and you feel flushed. You’re taken off guard by how you feel- there’s a sudden urge to kiss him, all over, make his hair all askew, and you have to stop yourself. Be normal again.

You figure you’re both even for how he acted this morning. 

/

Peter ends up buying a pair of swimming trunks that are covered in little sunshine sprites- he says it reminds him of Super Mario Sunshine. Interestingly enough, that game was all about a vacation to an Italian-like place, too.

MJ seems to notice the tension between the two of you- and she doesn’t comment on it, not at first. It’s when you’re by the gorgeous beach with the turquoise waters, that Peter is distracted by, that she finally asks.

“Now that he’s taking pictures. What’s up? Why aren’t you talking?” She sits on the picnic blanket next to you, and opens up the deli sandwiches and limoncello for your impromptu lunch/snack. 

“I, uh- I don’t know how to say this without it sounding funny- but I accidentally saw him naked?” You groan and then bury your face in your knees. “I knocked on the door and it opened and-”

“You liked what you saw?” MJ canoodles up next to you, eager for more gossip.

You nod, and she punches you, to which you shriek “ow!”

“Don’t you get it? You still like him! I was so worried that your feelings were actually gone.”

“I didn’t think you were so invested.” You mutter, but MJ continues on.

“Of course I was! You would be so happy with him, I just… I know. No meddling.” MJ stops herself before she gets too far, and you’re still trying to get used to a world where it’s increasingly more obvious that you still like Peter, and more importantly, he likes you back. At least, you’re more sure than you were before- in the past, your crush on Peter was entirely based on what a great friend he was to you- and now, it’s not just the leading on of being close to you, it’s explicit flirting. It’s really obvious, even for you.

You wonder when things changed for him, and how much time you might’ve lost by being a dumbass. MJ hands you a glass of limoncello, and you’re welcome to it- you don’t want to be sober right now.

/

The beach feels suddenly huge when you can’t get an exact idea of the size. The limoncello hit far more quickly than you gave it credit for, and MJ has pulled you and Peter deep into the water, where you’re currently wading. 

“No fucking way, shut up.” You are listening to MJ’s drunken spiel about how she’s going to do a perfect dive into the water, off of Peter’s back.

Peter is drunk, too- you can tell by the way he keeps leaning into you too much. Or maybe he’s using drunkenness as an excuse, but you yourself are too drunk to verify that theory. You’ve been aimlessly roaming around the water, the little grains of sand being pushed around in a haze mist as you kick your feet.  It’s nice and warm, the beach water is refreshing and cool, and you love how vividly blue it is. Maybe even more blue considering that you can’t focus on it too well.

It’s also astoundingly clear- you’ve watched little fish swim around and seen other people under the water, which is crazy. 

MJ clambers onto Peter’s back, and when he’s got her somewhat stable, she leaps off, and sure enough- a perfect dive. Her hair looks neon-red in comparison to the blue surrounding her underwater. 

“Holy shit.” Peter runs his hands through his hair in shock, as MJ resurfaces. The water is up to your necks, which isn’t a lot, but Peter still mumbles that she could’ve drowned.

“Nah, no drowning out here. We all took swimming lessons as kids, I’m sure.” MJ snorts, and you know that she’s kind of an excitable drunk- Peter, on the other hand, is fairly quiet.

Until he jokingly pushes you into the water, and you lose your footing as it’s more deep than where you were originally standing- and because you’re too gone to really think properly, you let yourself sink under.

He dives in after you, and you look at him, too drunk to process whether you should swim up or if you should wait for Peter to do something. In the sunshine under the water, Peter looks especially beautiful- his brown hair is glowing and wafts through the miniscule waves, and his eyes twinkle as he grabs onto you.

Suddenly you’re hoisted into the air, in Peter’s arms, in a bridal-style carry, and he grins at you. You wrap your arms around his neck.

“Hey.”

“Hey, Peter.” You shake your head, feeling rather safe in his warm arms. 

“Hope you’re not mad at me? It was all in good fun.” He grits his teeth, somewhat sheepish.

Before you can stop yourself, still kind of drunk enough that you can blame that state of mind, you lean in and kiss his cheek, and Peter looks kind of shocked- but he doesn’t look horrified, not like how your now sober thoughts are thinking he would’ve been. If anything, he looks kind of… happy? Satisfied.

“...Sorry- I shouldn’t-”

Before you can continue your sentence, Peter kisses your forehead, and now you know you’re done for. You can’t escape the feeling of loving him, so you just look at the sky, trying to drop the happy little smile on your face.

“It’s just a friendly kiss, Parker. To thank you for being my hero and all that.” You mutter, all shy now, and Peter just nods, getting that obnoxious, doofy look on his face that you like a lot.

“Uh huh. Sure.” And he decides instead of dropping you here, he wants to hold onto you for longer- you’re just so cute in how you’re refusing to look at him now. He also likes wrapping his arms around your waist and back and those deliciously svelte legs- Peter has no idea why your uniform of choice is often massive sweaters that cover you up. 

Peter carries you to shore, and MJ snaps a picture on her phone, thinking that someday you two would thank her at your own wedding.

/

It’s very, very hard to just chill around Peter normally now, in the villa. Especially because you’re so used to thinking of him as your buddy- actually your former buddy considering you spent some time distancing from him- and now to be in that friendship again, but also kind of in love with him again, it’s a little too much for you to handle. You’re avoiding his eye contact a lot, but Peter is a very sly person and manages to corner you in the pantry.

“Hey.” He reaches above you, towards one of the many shelves that are in this pantry, and grabs a box of something- but he closes you in between his arms, and you look up in surprise before looking back down. Peter is kind of evil- he loves teasing you, watching how your expression seems to go through a million emotions, and he thinks that he really, really wants to kiss you here, just so he can watch your eyes widen and then do it again. He wants to kiss you until you can’t think straight. 

But of course, Peter is a better person than that, and although he’s lightly teasing, flirting, seeing how far he can go- he will not do anything too out there until he knows you want to do it too. Aunt May did not raise an idiot, and right now he can tell you’re probably at your limit.

“Hey.” You repeat back, maybe a little more breathy and quietly. Your hair is still a little wet from your shower after the beach- you’re wearing PJs again, this time with shorts. Maybe short-shorts so Peter can get a better look at you. 

“Just getting popcorn for the movie.” Peter isn’t saying anything that wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for two strangers to say, but you hang onto every word, and he relishes in it. He hopes you never stop talking to him again- he just knows he’d be devastated.

“Ah. Cool.” You let Peter move a little, but you can tell his gaze is still on you, as you grab a bag of yogurt-covered pretzels. It’s literally the bare minimum of affection, and Peter walks next to you as you both leave the pantry, into the TV room, where an absolutely humongous flat-screen TV waits. 

There are large L-Shaped grey couches and elaborately embroidered pillows everywhere, yet Peter chooses to sit next to you, and you can’t ignore that. Even Harry picks up on it.

“All these seats and you have to sit right next to Lettie, huh?” Harry chortles, mouth full of freshly popped popcorn. “I see you, Peter.”

“You’re still hungover. There’s at least half a foot of distance between us.” Peter estimates, using his hands to mimic how much distance there is, but his hand still purposeful brushes your thigh. 

“Hungover? Please, I could be stoned out of my mind and still see how you’re trying to get into Howlett’s pants.” Harry snickers, and you feel your face turn warm.

“Guys. I’m still here.” You pull a blanket around yourself. “Have your body-count talks when I’m not around.”

“Sorry, Howlett.” Peter starts immediately, and before he can start his whole spiel about how you’re not just a body, which you already knew was coming anyways (if you were honest you would not mind being one of Peter’s bodies and the thought is both titillating and scary), MJ comes in her onesie and turns the TV on.

The movie is in Italian- you’re not even sure what the title means, Principessa dai Capelli D'oro, but you know it has something to do with a princess. She’s got shiny blonde hair, and a big poofy princess dress- and all the Italian men trying to woo her have thick curly black hair and mustaches and seem to want her especially because she’s blonde and different.

“This movie seems to be from the 70s, just based on the film quality.” Peter comments, but you’re not really focused on the movie at all. It’s playing, and you’re watching it, but you’re not really absorbing anything because you’re hyper-focused on every little movement Peter makes. Every rustle of his shirt as he inches closer to you, the movement of his hair against the couch’s pillow- it’s weird knowing that you’ve literally had innocent sleepovers with Peter as a kid and those same actions he’s done a million times before seem to have a new meaning- and you want to skirt closer, if not for the fact that MJ and Harry are right there.

Actually, you’re noticing now that MJ is doing her trademark stop it Harry noooo giggle which usually means that Harry’s face is in her hair and they’re about to start kissing, and from there it only gets more frisky and wild. You have many memories of accidentally being in the same room as them and witnessing things that should’ve stayed private, but you’re not exactly a prude, just a good friend.

Harry’s the one who seems to use sexual prowess as a personality, sometimes, and MJ likes being a bit of a trophy wife, even if she won’t quite admit it, and now she’s on his lap and Peter looks away. It’s kind of like a weird, real-life representation of what’s on both of your minds, and Peter gently combs back some of your hair behind your ear, and you think that you don’t want your first kiss with Peter to be here right now, because you’re kind of sappy and you want it to be private, so you pull back.

“I’m… uh… I’m kind of tired.” You lie, and Peter nods, and there’s some genuine joy in your heart that he looks so accepting of that, even if you’ve essentially just rejected him for now. “Want the yogurt pretzels? I only ate like two anyways.”

“Sure.” Peter takes them and pops one in his mouth, and something about the way his jaw flexes and his tongue peeks out of the corner of his lips as he chews has you feeling goosebumps, a hot undercurrent running through you, and you excuse yourself and go upstairs to your bedroom.

You hardly sleep at all. 

[beautifulhigh]

I did not forget the results of the poll, my plan to post a reveal snippet last weekend was curtailed by my OTHER current project, namely my kitchen. Which now has a plumbed in sink!

ANYWAY

For those who are with me on this, here's the Super Secret FirstPrince fic which is, by the end of this post, not quite the Super Secret fic anymore...

Hope you're with me on this ride, and if you're not then no harm no foul just leave quietly so I don't have to be crushed by rejection. Because this one is really waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone and I'm still really nervous about it.

To the Keep Reading!

Alex woke to the soft click of the hotel room door. Apparently his security training was embedded deeper than he'd like because he was hauled from his sleep by the noise and the fact that the other side of the bed was empty.

So many things were wrong with this picture and so despite it still being dark out and probably insanely early he was wide awake.

"Henry?" he called, hoping that the noise he'd heard was actually the bathroom door.

He knew it wasn't but he checked anyway.

He pulled on his pants and slipped the room key into the pocket before moving out into the hallway. As they'd taken over the entire floor they didn't have security every other door as would normally have been merited. He looked left then right, only seeing Cash standing at the end by the elevators.

Cash, who accepted his family's request to move to their private security at the end of Ellen's second term. Cash, who relocated his whole life to New York when Alex moved up there and who dropped hints about getting to enjoy good BBQ when Alex and Henry started talking about Texas.

Cash, who had been there through every high and low of his relationship with Henry.

Cash, whose normally solid posture was broken by a single finger pointing down the corridor to his left.

Alex walked to the end of the corridor, tapping Cash's hand in a subtle low five gesture, before heading to the left. The rooms down here were either empty or used by the security team members who were taking the other shifts, but at the end was the reason why this floor had been favoured and requested: a small meeting room that they had been able to make use of to stay on top of official business.

"Have you said anything to him?" Alex heard Bea's voice coming from the other side of the door.

"And say what?" came Henry's reply. "How do I tell him?"

"You tell him," Bea said softly. "After everything you two have been through—"

"Exactly, Bea," Henry interrupted her. "After everything we have been through to get here, how do I tell him? 'Good morning, darling, did you sleep well, by the way we need to talk about the wedding'?"

"Hen—"

"God, I wish we'd never agreed to this."

"You don't mean that."

There was an awful silence, one Alex felt like lasted forever, before he heard Henry say, "I think I do. Sometimes I wish we'd never wrecked that damn cake."

"You need to talk to him."

"I don't want him to hate me."

"He loves you—" Bea started but Alex was startled from his eavesdropping by the sound of a door opening behind him in the corridor.

He turned quickly, too quickly, and there was a flash of movement and a second when he felt like he was falling before there was nothing.

.

.

.

.

Alex woke up slowly as the light filled the room, rubbing a hand against his face. His arm ached a little as he lifted it, adding to the things that felt a little off. He ignored those thoughts, pushing back the covers and heading to the bathroom. Lifting the lid he started to pee, staring down blindly in front of him as he did so.

The voice in his head was a little louder, a little more insistent, and it wasn't until he was washing his hands that he finally noticed what it was trying to tell him.

Only one wash bag was on the unit: Henry's wasn't there.

He walked back out into the room, looking around for Henry's case but his was the only one there. The other side of the bed clearly hadn't been slept in and even though he knew what the result would be he still flung open the closet to find only one suit bag hanging there,

Panic rose in his chest as he reached for his phone on the side, pulling it free from the charger. As he did so his arm ached again and he instinctively rubbed it. His fingers ran against the raised line of skin and the physicality of it unlocked a memory for him.

"What the fuck?" he muttered, pulling up the sleeve of his t-shirt to inspect the graze there.

It was only when he lifted his phone that all of the horrible, terrifying, impossible pieces fell into place.

One bag in the room, a graze on his shoulder.

His bare ring finger, engagement ring missing.

His lock screen, his childhood dog and not the photo of him and Henry and David.

The date on his lock screen with the calendar reminder already showing.

ROYAL FUCKING WEDDING – TODAY.

The time wasn't what he was focused on, but the date.

Friday, September 6 2019.

"What the fuck?" Alex repeated. 

.

.

.

.

Reasons why this is bullshit

1. I do not live in some science fiction world or whatever and time travel is purely theoretical

2. So clearly this is a dream

3. A very vivid dream in which I can read and write. Apparently I shouldn't be able to read

4. What else can it be but bullshit?

[who1ssheesh]

Xanxus's s/o being best buds with squalo!!

Xanxus’ s/o being best friends with Squalo

Pairings: Xanxus/reader, Squalo/reader |PLATONIC|

Notes: maybe I’ve taken “buds” way too serious + Xanxus is a little piece of shit here I’m sorry……I’ll prolly will make Squalo s/o being buds with Xus soon lol. I also think I will expand on this one, feels rushed on some moments here and there

Warnings: swearing, not proofread at all, possible break-up ���

If we take the route you’ve become friends with Squalo after starting to date Xanxus, then ooh boy, that’s a rocky start

Superbia admires Xanxus’ strength and specific traits – Squalo never in his life can terrify people around just by mere existing and suffocate with the strength through red wild eyes alone.

But other than that don’t they HATE each other with each letter in capital?

BTW Xanxus, on the other hand, is so ignorant he won’t admit any of Squalo’s strong traits to save his life, and captain acts much more reasonable here. So maybe you’re the one hinting to your man that he should go at least a little bit softer on his right hand

So. Squalo didn’t think Xanxus would date someone….like…….smart…….

He kind of expected a typical mob wife to be a candy of the eye and suck out (pun intended) money since Xanxus doesn’t care about people, you just gotta be useful to him

He can’t even lie he was dumbfounded seeing you for the first time. You are……..normal. He doesn’t mean ugly, you are pretty in a natural? Regular? way, not in a “I want to be a supermodel way too hard” way. Help me, I sound sexist.

It’s not an insult to you, it’s an “I can’t believe someone ambitious and smart got along with HIM”

100% the first time you see him is when Xanxus is beating the shit out of him with glasses again, and you were looking terrified to say the least. And Squalo was so NASTY, he really wished you would see this as the biggest red flag because he doesn’t want to see that bitch happy.

I mean it, there is just no way to get those two along, it’s a weird hate-infused destructive relationship between them.

You talk for the first time somewhere in the hall after that incident.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Squalo doesn’t answer, but you swear you heard an angry screech of his teeth in return.

You stumbled into each other pretty accidentally. You could be getting coffee for Lussuria (of COURSE you had  to be friends with that-, he would think) and somehow you always got one for Squalo. You are subtle, most of the times not even talking to him, just acting like……you merely treat him as everyone else and don’t pay attention to his tantrums.

You are immune to tantrums with your boyfriend, you’re the reasonable one in the relationship lol

You are the first one to call Squalo out.

“Quit your bullshit”

• You know what’s funny? It worked. Now welcome hell, you can never escape but it’s funny at least.

• You start talking just a little bit, one step at a time, a rare sight seeing Squalo genuinely laugh at something. He enjoys your humor and your brute language, he can now see why you get along with Xanxus.

• You start gossiping with him a lot, he is such a bitch, no wonder Lussuria likes him. As we know, nothing brings you closer than this.

• Anyways, you forgot your furious manchild idiot of a man. And he doesn’t like what he sees, Xanxus unironically thinks you are fucking with Superbia, he is raging and is THIS far from shooting you two

• It’s a long and heated argument, honestly 90% chance it can lead to a break-up. THAT’S IT THANKS FOR READING

• No, but really it’s the first time you have such a scary interaction, it probably includes you having a breakdown.

• Squalo is around there as well, and he is sure to let Xanxus know he won’t let anything happen to you.

• It’s a hard one for your relationship, you probably don’t talk for several days, Squalo will feel guilty despite hating Xanxus with all soul. Xanxus may be a bitch, but you are not.

• Will be your voice of the reason - he can’t and won’t in any way pamper you or pity, but Squalo is good with spitting facts, 10/10 friend material

• Could be having some interactions with Xanxus about the situation, could be not, depends on his mood. But certainly will call his boss a fuck-head

• Sadly, I can’t see your friendship with Squalo go well with Xanxus. Squalo may be the reasonable, but your boyfriend in not

• You both develop a pretty defending relationship, Squalo is sinking with his buds trust me it’s a pride think. So at least you are going to be irritated at him throwing stuff at Squalo -> another argument.

• You don’t go too far though, you both respect each other’s independence and don’t act as mother hen. Rare mature friendship here

• You start going hanging out with Varia a lot, maybe you even meet some of his buds out of Varia. Xanxus is going to be around too btw, some can say he is acting calmer around you

• Squalo is a friend to insult you a lot even as a joke, so thick skin is required. Will be mad at you A LOT, but still is the one to come over at 2am 1000 km away if your car broke down or sum. But if it’s a shitty reason he will get mad and say to fuck your boyfriend’s brain instead.

• Even if you don’t try, you pick up some fencing knowledge lol. Squalo starts rambling a lot and really appreciates you listening. Does so in return, can interrupt you with a dumb joke or some nonsense but just wants to show you he listens

• Squalo can be away for long at missions and develop a habit of bringing you cards with a shitty dad jokes, insults or all together

• You humor synchronizes well, there are a lot of inside jokes, Squalo thinks those are the most important in a friendship lol. Excluding drinking bets

• Has some lines. Won’t get over your house if you are alone. Fair maybe? He wouldn’t be happy if his gf brought Xanxus at their house while he is away. Exception for some emergencies and business questions

• If you ever interested, Squalo will get you tickets to sword fight events. Especially where he participates lol. You don’t have to go, but….he gets you those cause wants to see you ok?? You brobably will go there with Bel or Lussuria

• BROFISTING A LOT AND I WILL DIE ON THAT HILL. Sometimes that piece of shit bumbs you with a metal hand on purpose

• Since you don’t see each other in a sexual or any romantic light at all, Squalo often forgets you are a woman and could be smaller or not so tough (in a physical sense) and can hit you too hard

• You two rating others’ attractiveness 100%💀💀💀💀 Sometimes Luss involved

• It takes a really long time, but the 3am late chats while smoking at a balcony are a thing (I have doomer panelka vibes in my blood, doing that rn whatchu gonna do about it)

• He one day comes you for a serious advice because he’s unsure, and you are the only one Squalo trusts. You appreciate that a lot. Like…a lot

• He will do a lot in return to show his appreciation for your support, you know there is always a man behind your back, ready to catch you if you fall

• I don’t know, to be honest, of Xanxus ever makes peace with your friendship. He is not jealous, it’s about…trust. He is dead inside thinking that in critical situation you can chose Squalo, and Xanxus realizes his tantrums (that fight) break your trust in him even more, which makes Squalo more valuable to you. So in conclusion….Xanxus breaks his life again and is scared.

• But at some point, you don’t have to feel sorry for him, he also wounded you, and he knows that (he should). Squalo 100% will evaluate your ego and aggression a lot, you become confident in protecting your boundaries.

• So if ever Xanxus makes you choose (and holy shit I can imagine him doing this-), you don’t have to chose him just to please him? But it’s hurting someone’s trust either way.

• If you prioritize Xanxus, your relationship with Squalo grow noticeably colder. You obviously won’t develop an “I can’t trust you my life” friendship, but you notice Squalo is not angry about it and even sees a certain reason in your decision. He respects your view on the situation (since you are with Xanxus longer than being friend with Superbia) and sees this as a logical conclusion - that’s the character he likes you because of, ok? You still have a joke here and there or go crazy together rarely just like with any Varia guardian. You will notice Xanxus’ gaze anyway, but it’s a different one - he knows he is the one for you and can’t get enough of that fact.

• Well…….if in the end Xanxus hurts you too much….Squalo is flabbergasted to say the least and feels a lot of responsibility in here secretly, even tho he understands you both are adults + Xanxus can fuck himself piece of shit go and die + voi + ratio. He becomes distant because of this, all while you are weeping here all alone and having second thoughts. I’m the end, he comes at you door in the most Superbia fashion - with a slap and now you have 23 hour training sessions to get your mind clear or sum (he is trying). He gotta get you back to your feet with confidence and pride better as ever, because he is a friend. He goes to help at 2am, gets you when you are all out of breath and here to beat some cense back to you. He helps you get your place in a mafia life once you are chipped off of Xanxus and are all alone, he honestly the one to see you succeed and make yourself a name AND he will hardcore convince you to become a swordsman as well if a potential is seen. It could be decades, but you are still here for Superbia as he is for you, and everyone knows you are always around each other - loud, arrogant, bashful and foul-mouthed. And he still bumps you with a metal hand on purpose istg

[asterifish]

Watching the stars... / Minchan

Synopsis: Minho and Chan have been close friends since they were little. Minho often complained or rambled a lot, and Chan loved to listen to him. As they grew older, Chan got feelings for Minho. He wanted Minho to stay with him forever, but didn't know how to tell him.

Type: One-shot (Words: 689)

Genre: Fluff, slight angst

TW!!: Mentions of abuse, self harm, and suicide

“Chan, are you sure this is a good idea?” Minho asked, clinging to Chan’s arm tightly. It was late at night and the two had been sneaking around the royal castle. It was a cool night, and the wind was blowing through Minho’s hair, making him seem more beautiful. They were currently on the roof, observing the night sky.

“Of course I do, Min! Just trust me, okay? C’mon let's sit down.” Chan responded, a wide smile on his face. After helping the younger sit down, Chan sat and scooted close. “Anything you want to talk about? I noticed you've been spacing out a lot.” Chan nudged Minho’s shoulder, earning a grunt from the other.

“Not really…. I’ve just been thinking about the future. Mom’s been nagging me about getting a job or going to college but I just,” Minho paused and sighed, “I don't know what I want to do, Chan.” leaning back, Minho let the cold air wash over his face.

After thinking about what Minho had said, Chan nudged him with a chuckle. “You could be my bodyguard! You certainly qualify for it, and honestly you wouldn't have to do much.”

That was the first hint.

A few months later, it was Minho’s birthday. Chan had gotten matching earrings for them. The roof had become their hangout spot, but when Chan got up the the roof, Minho wasn’t there. “Min? Are you hiding from me?” Chan called, looking around. When he didn't find his friend, he immediately jumped off the roof and ran straight for Minho’s house.

As he got closer to his friend's house, Chan could hear yelling and banging. Kicking down the front door, Chan was met with a terrible sight. Minho was on the floor, blood coming from his forehead and a few scratches on his arms. “Min! Holy.. are you okay?”

Running over to his friend, he blocked a hit from Minho’s father as he picked up the younger boy and ran out of the house. He didn’t stop running until they’d reached the castle. Putting Minho down, Chan knelt next to him. “What happened in there?”

Minho winced as he tried to sit up, but pushed Chan’s hand away. “I’m fine.” Chan blinked slowly at Minho and sighed. “No you’re not, Min! Your father was beating you!?” Ignoring Minho’s protests, Chan picked up his friend again and carried him to his bedroom. While he got his first aid kit, he asked Minho to tell him everything.

After a few moments of silence, Minho spoke. “He hits us all the time. Me and my mother. It… started a few years ago. He;d come home one day, furious. He’d picked up the first thing he could get his hands on and threw it at my mother. I….” Minho stopped and stifled a sob as Chan hugged him.

“Take your time Min, and remember you don’t have to tell me, okay?” Chan reassured the younger. Scooting closer, Chan pulled Minho into him. Burying his face into Chan’s chest, Minho tried to take deep breaths to calm down.

This was the second hint, more subtle than the last.

Summertime was always a busy time for the kingdom. Minho finally took up the position of Chan’s bodyguard, and he got to experience so many cool things. Chan loved spoiling the younger whenever he could. “Here Min! Come look at this!” Chan called, ushering Minho over. In his hands, Chan had a bright moon decoration. Minho took it, being careful as to not break it. “It’s…. pretty!” he whispered.

Watching Minho’s reaction, Chan smiled and took the decoration out of Minho’s hands. With the seller’s permission, Chan clipped it to Minho’s halo before stepping back to admire it. The shopkeeper handed Minho a mirror so he could see it for himself. “It fits you well, sir!” The shopkeeper smiled. Looking over at Chan, Minho couldnt help but smile. His friend was smiling brightly, and minho couldnt help but feel like Chan was admiring him. Looking into his eyes, and then looking away when he caught Minho looking at him.

This, was the third and final hint.

Hello! Author here. I just wanted to say that this will be a mini series of four. I'll be using the beautiful creations that @solastalgiart has made. Please support them as well! In all honesty, this didn't high how I thought it would, so I might re-do it a bit later.

[coqhee]

STRATEGY

✷ a step by step tutorial on how to get into yang jungwon’s stubborn and dumb heart using wikihow!

day 14 of melodies to memories ― y.jw︲f reader︲fluff, comedy︲1400

prom wasn’t long away, yet why hadn’t yang jungwon asked you out?

you were basically already dating with the way he’d always saving you a seat at lunch, walking you to class, and texting you late into the night.

maybe he was just waiting on you to say something first, and you know what? you were going to make the first move. by making him ask you out obviously. 

you caught him after class one day, leaning against the lockers with his headphones draped around his neck.

“hey,” you started, trying to keep your tone light. “are you planning to go to prom?”

jungwon looked at you, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. “depends.”

“on what?”

“on who I’m going with,” he said smoothly, a cocky grin widening.

this isn’t going to do. new plan. wikihow.

─── ♡

STEP 1: LET HIM KNOW YOU’RE INTERESTED

get to know him

flirt

body language

getting to know yang jungwon was easy. you were already friends with him so check! next part.

wait.

flirt?

with yang jungwon? not going to happen. no way. next part.

body language. okay.

you decided to test out your newfound knowledge the next time you and jungwon hung out. it was a saturday afternoon, and the two of you were sprawled out on his couch, a random movie playing in the background as he scrolled through his phone.

you started small, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear every now and then, making sure it looked natural. when he glanced at you, you leaned in slightly, angling your body toward him like wikihow said.

"you good?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"yeah, why?" you replied, feigning innocence.

he shrugged, smirking. "nothing. you’re just... fidgety."

oh right you forgot to look at the floor, because it makes you look cute. at least according to wikihow.

“you keep looking at the floor,” jungwon said, sitting up now. “is there something on it? like a bug?”

“no!” you exclaimed, a little too quickly.

“then why do you keep staring at it like it’s gonna talk to you?”

you wanted to melt into the couch. “i don’t know, maybe I just like floors, okay?”

jungwon seemed completely unbothered, leaning back and stretching. “you’re lucky you’re fun to hang out with, though. otherwise, i’d think you were plotting something.”

you tried to brush it off, but the warmth in your chest betrayed you. so maybe wikihow wasn’t working right now, but there were more steps left to try... right?

─── ♡

STEP 2: DROP HINTS

use common knowledge to your advantage

have your friends drop hints

talk about your plans

okay this step wasn’t too bad. this has got to propel you towards him asking you out to prom.

when you told your friends of your plan, they thought you had lost it. actually this time.

more specifically when you asked them to drop hints by bringing the two of you up more often as an item.

“so, let me get this straight,” giselle said, narrowing her eyes. “you want us to casually bring you and jungwon up in conversation, like... as a couple?”

“yes,” you said with conviction, ignoring her skeptical look.

“subtle, right?” sunoo piped up, raising an eyebrow.

“exactly. not too obvious, just enough to plant the idea in his head,” you clarified, determined.

giselle snorted. “subtle isn’t exactly my strong suit, but sure.”

you watched from afar as giselle ran up to jungwon yelling something.

“jungwon! you know y/n likes you right?”

that’s not a hint. what the hell. does she know remotely what subtle is?

“okay okay what do you really want now, my chem notes?” he laughed and brushed her comment off. she looked to you and shrugged.

it’s okay, you didn’t complete the last part of this step. though you felt an immeasurable amount of dread.

the next day in class after putting your bag down, you approached his desk, playing with his pencil.

“hey you know i’m going to the movies this week right?” you asked.

“oh nice, have fun, what movie by the way?” he smiled giving an oblivious smile. if only he knew.

you blinked, not expecting that response. “… yeah, I mean, it’s supposed to be a fun movie. romantic comedies are always better in theaters, right?”

“sure,” he said, still doodling, completely unfazed.

your brain scrambled for something else to say, something that could salvage this interaction. “you know, it’s the kind of movie that’s probably better with… company.”

he stopped drawing, finally looking at you properly, though his expression was unreadable.

“then why don’t you take giselle?” he asked, leaning back in his chair, tilting his head, reading your expression. though you wouldn’t have noticed the look he was giving you, begging you to ask him to go.

you wanted to scream. you wanted to crawl under a rock. you wanted to fall into a blackhole and have it spaghetti noodle you up like the many articles you’ve read.

you just wanted to yell at him that you liked him. though you weren’t sure if he’d get the message even at that.

maybe it’s time you finish all the steps.

─── ♡

STEP 3: KNOW WHAT NOT TO DO

avoid the friendzone

avoid letting him know how much you want to go out with him

don’t wait around too long

wait.

that’s it.

maybe you’re just in the friendzone?

the thought made your stomach sink, and for the first time, doubt crept into your master plan.

maybe it’s time to give up, you thought with a sigh. but before you could let defeat settle in, giselle, snatched your phone out of your hand.

“what the hell are you moping about?” she asked, reading the screen. her face scrunched up in exaggerated disbelief. “you? friendzoned? please, y/n. the boy is always staring at you. just yesterday, he literally paused mid-bite of his sandwich when you walked in.”

“that doesn’t mean anything,” you muttered, crossing your arms defensively.

giselle rolled her eyes, dragging you up from your chair. “okay, first of all, you’re not giving up. second, you’re doing something big. we’re skipping to the final step.”

“what’s the final step?” you asked warily.

she smirked. “you’re just going to ask him yourself.”

you froze. “absolutely not. that’s—”

“y/n!”

jungwon called with a smile waving his hand over. you looked back to giselle as if she was going to create some sort of comfort, but no. she pushed you forward towards the boy whispering something that you couldn’t hear.

“hi won,” you greeted with some sort of a smile.

“so,” he trailed off. “so,” you prompted him back

“prom.”

“yeah what about it? it’s this weekend and..?”

jungwon scratched the back of his neck, “well, i was wondering if, uh, you…” he hesitated, glancing away for a split second before locking eyes with you again. “…if you’d go with me.”

your heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, you thought you misheard him. “wait, what?”

his lips quirked up in a lopsided grin, the confidence creeping back into his demeanor. “prom. you. me. together. what do you think?”

“not as like, friends right. or maybe as friends, which way are you asking?” you asked nervously.

“not as friends,”

“oh,” you managed to say, your voice a little higher-pitched than normal. “well, in that case…”

he raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth quirking up in a teasing smile. “you gonna keep me waiting, or…?”

“no!” you said quickly, shaking your head. “i mean—yes. not yes to keeping you waiting. yes to—”

jungwon chuckled, cutting off your rambling. “i get it. it’s a yes.”

“yes,” you repeated, this time with more confidence, a grin spreading across your face.

“good,” he said, his smile softening as he glanced down for a second, then back up at you. “because i’ve been wanting to ask you for a while now. just didn’t want to mess it up.”

“mess it up? jungwon, you’re like, the last person who could mess this up.”

“yeah?” he asked, his tone lighter now. “you think i’m that smooth?”

“not really,” you teased, a playful glint in your eyes. “but i think i like you anyway.”

his grin grew wider, and for a moment, the usual confident, composed jungwon seemed almost bashful. “good to know,” he said, his voice dropping slightly. “because i like you too.”

maybe wikihow did have the answers all along. the answer of a strategy on how to get yang jungwon to ask you out to prom.

─── ♡

a/n: happy day 14 of melodies to memories!! not going to be awake for this one so my perm tl will be tagged on this post rather than in the reblog hehe >< I've been LOVING strategy by twice it's so brain itch afhuidjg,, all likes, comments, reblogs appreciated.

melodies to memories tl (open!): @pshwrldd @hhmnya@wonsdoll@lovuegi

perm 🏷️(reply/send ask to this post to be added): @wonsdoll @suneng @heeambi @anqelkoz @who-tf-soddhi @cupidhoons @kiss4noo @nooyork

@ coqhee 2024. all rights reserved.

[automatismoateo]

Using dating apps in a Muslim country as someone who isn't religious...is something everyone should try via /r/atheism

Using dating apps in a Muslim country as someone who isn't religious...is something everyone should try

I live in the Middle-East. Raised Muslim, and left a few years ago.

Let me clue you in on my dating life in a predominantly Muslim country, that is pretty much an alt right kid's wet dream, but also extremely prude since dating is a sin. I'm a pansexual dude, I think everyone is gorgeous, but I definitely won't use dating apps when I'm looking for men, or make it evident that I'm LGBT, because cops hunt people like me through catfishing them on dating apps. Fortunately, not a problem for me. I prefer women anyway, they're cool. Of course... can't say I'm non religious in the bio because it's just not safe for me.

I know it's dumb as someone who's non-religious and queer to try and find someone like-minded here, but I was too curious to ignore what this exotic "Tinder and bumble Muslim dating" had to offer. My strategy was to look for people that have the slightest hint of liberalism, open-mindedness , people that had bios that were interesting, and people that weren't looking for anything long-term (meant they're probably not dating to marry). My goal here was to find a needle in a haystack basically, so I kept my expectations very low and had to be very picky.

I spent a lot of time swiping left. Every-one was the same, every profile looked bland, and every fake profile can be spotted a mile away. Most bios had the same disclaimer : "no sexting, no harassment, no hookups, please keep it halal". It was sad but not surprising. A prude and sexually repressed society breeds depraved men that can't control themselves, and a religion like Islam would only make a woman look like a sex trophy, an object successful men claim. Also wym keep it halal? You're on a dating app honey, dating is a sin and your hijab is not hijabing lol. Anyways, I went out on 4 dates after having many one-sided conversations with other matches. It felt like I was trying to work on a group project with a partner that's lazy.

Girl 1 : (my first date ever at 21 years old) went surprisingly well. I don't get nervous or awkward or cringe ever, which could mean that I'm a sociopath, or that I have a super power. Whatever it is, it definitely helped me and my date out because she was really nervous, she even pointed out how nervous she was in the beginning. I cracked jokes to get her to chill, I speak slowly and calmly to get her to mirror the calm behavior too, a few compliments here and there, only subtle flirting so I don't overwhelm her, and I distract her from the tension by asking her a few questions about herself and letting her do the talking for a little while. We were both interested in philosophy, so we talk about it, and I tell her I'm not that religious when we talked about Nietzsche, the conversation gets a little shallow, I change the subject and we move on. Rest of the date was great, she was interactive, she flirted back, and she wasn't nervous any more. I text her after the date saying she was lovely and that I had fun, she says she thought I was great too, but she didn't want to go any further. I tell her it's totally fine, and I wish her luck. (This was the best scenario I could ever ask for, she was great)

Girl 2 : We message each other. It was smooth, and we set up a date. Date also goes well, except she threw me off a little because she didn't like that I'm a smoker (it obviously was clear in my bio that I'm a smoker, so she didn't pay attention 🚩). It's understandable, I chill out, and put the cigarettes away. When it was time to pay for the food, she asked me if I'm going to pay. I tell her something along the lines of "in this economy?". We split the bill in the end, and she gives me a lecture on how that's not what a man should do. Yes she lectured me like a mother would because she's and I quote "34 and I'm 21". She said I should take her advice as someone who's more experienced than I am. Now....Her bio said she was 25, and she looked 27. What the fuck. I had to drive her home in silence, while getting this talk about how much "potential I had", and that she's willing to give me a chance and guide me through my adulthood until we get married in the next few months. It was pretty weird. When she messaged me that night, I told her that I wasn't interested in going on a second date. She still persisted so I ghosted. To be very honest here, she was kinda attractive , and my inner coomer was whispering in my earholes telling me to go for it, but I still got weirded out.

Girl 3: We messaged each other, she was pretty dry, I shouldn't have kept going with someone not reciprocating the effort, but I did. I point out that don't pay for first dates, she asks why. I say "well, I don't really know you that much yet.". In reality, I prefer splitting the bill because you're not my fucking princess to spoil, you're a big girl now, get a job, pay for your own shit, and let me pay for my own shit. She said ok, and we go on the date. Date turns into an interview. She asks me what I do for work, without answering what she does for work, she asks me questions about Islam, dodges my questions about herself. My favorite part was when she asks "what would you do?" Questions. Like "what would you do, if another man started sexually harassing me right now in front of you?" Or "what would you do if my father doesn't accept your dowry". We kept talking about gender roles and I tried to be as conservative and macho as I can just to end it quicker. Date ends, I expected that we split the bill, and guess what? She didn't bring any money, and I had to pay for it. I drove her home, and that was it, she called me the next day and told her I'm not interested.

Girl 4: Very upbeat and lively, she was into Roblox and read a lot of romance novels. I'm also a huge fan of corny clichès and high quality smut, so it looked good. I bring up a book that had queer main characters in it, just to see her reaction, and she was Pro-LGBT! This was huge. I immediately ask her out, we go to a coffee shop, and the date was fun as hell. Up until the moment I talked to her about the book I told her about. I asked her if she thinks the LGBT community would ever have rights in our country. She says "I hope so, but not the they/thems and trans people"..... I was on a date with a TERF. I was so lucky I didn't tell her I'm pansexual, because if she found out I liked enbies too , she would've snitched 100%. She also got pissed when I told her I wanted to split the bill because she thought I was kidding. It was heartbreaking, she was really cool.

So yeah. These were all the dates I've been to over the course of half a year swiping left and rarely swiping right on dating apps. My parents are starting to convince me to have an arranged marriage, which is a huge fucking no no for me. I already expressed to them that they don't have any influence in my life decisions anymore, as I'm my own person now, but they can't comprehend that just like all Muslim parents. I mean I literally would be disowned if I moved out on my own before being married, but because I'm a guy they're eventually easing up to the idea. If I was a girl that would be blasphemy though...so. let's hope I don't get a blind date with my parents being active members in it.

Submitted July 19, 2023 at 05:38PM by blizzard_of-oz (From Reddit https://ift.tt/0kEt43m)

[fukashiin]

how they admire you from afar

— w. ace, deuce, floyd, kalim, jamil

⤷ times when they stare at you and think "wow theyre pretty"

ACE TRAPPOLA

- you? beautiful? him staring at you because of it?

- audacious. seriously

- he stares at you so much and he hates YOUR guts for it somehow

- like why do you have to look so breathtaking when doing the most ordinary of tasks? do you WANT him to stare at you? (not like you’re aware of how much he does anyway)

- and you miss the salty side eye he gives to the previous person you were talking to

- fail to notice the subtle pouts he sends your way and he ignores you back for the next week

- like literally what is his problem

- but the time he spends trying to “ignore” you doesn’t last for long

- because. you don’t know. how beautiful you are in his eyes.

- scribbles the most illegible notes down in his journal back in his dorm because he just can’t get rid of the sight of your face (no human is supposed to be that pretty. he’s just being ridiculous)

- posts weirdly ominous captions on his magicam stories about how “he’s going to lose it” or “how can someone be THAT blind?” 

- he removed you from his close friends just so you couldn’t view it

- and he’s still wondering why you aren't taking the hint? ace please wake up you're going to harvard

- the next day is his basketball tournament. you were invited

- and the moment he was about to shoot the ball through the basket, he saw you amongst the crowd, cheering for him, yelling his name, encouraging him to score a point for NRC’s team

- he misses the shot with his hand a centimeter away from the basket and the ball bounces off the ring

- the whistle blows and the tension falls off of everyone’s shoulders

- he’s not ashamed in the least. in fact he was still focusing on you. why did you look so confused? head tilted and everything? now is not the time to distract him when he’s in a tournament you know? this is a very important day for him and he absolutely cannot miss this shot.

- he comes back to his senses when both teams that were competing against each other disappeared from the ring. only turns out it was time to take a break and he was informed of his foolish mistake 

- he sees you running up to him, scoffs, and turns away

- why do you have to put him through so much? just when will you notice his dumb advances towards you?

- but all his thoughts dissipate into thin air when you smile at him so sweetly and reassure him that he’ll do better the next round

- he really hates you

- and he’s really down bad for you

DEUCE SPADE

- no. he can’t accept this. he won’t accept this. what happened to his first priority to become NRC’s notable honour student?

- stage 1: denial

- his gaze settles on you entirely, while you’re taking notes in class and you’re unaware of a hungry gaze that burns into the back of your head

- deuce then realises that he’s been balancing on the front two legs of his seat this entire time

- slips and hits his chin directly on the edge of the desk when mr. crewel calls out his name

- pull out the bandages with my melody characters cutely printed onto them, he’s going to need it 

- but when your hands come in contact with his skin

- he absolutely

- FOLDS

- “let me bandage it up for you” you said. “i promise it won’t hurt one bit” you SAID

- stares at you the whole time while you’re focused on cleaning his bruise (caused by you)

- he takes notice of the bandages and feels the childish tears pricking at his eyes (caused by you)

- mutters a weak ‘thank you’ once you’re done and when you push your hair back to get rid of the accumulated sweat on your forehead, he feels an arrow shooting right through his heart

- can he blame you? everything you do is just so seemingly flawless and attractive that he can’t help but wonder if he’s truly worthy of your attention. after all, you are aware of his past 

- spams his mother’s phone once he’s back at the dorm in the evening, telling her that there’s this person who’s so drop-dead gorgeous that he can’t get them out of his mind and he’s begging her, asking her what he should do with such unfamiliar feelings that poke at his heart

- except ms spade was probably dealing with a workload that evening and had her notifications off for the entire day (and probably forgot in the process so she’s worried about his son not texting her for one whole day)

- they’re bothj so silly

- the next couple of days fly by, same as ever, with deuce admiring your features at the other side of the table while you help wipe the crumbs off of grim’s face during lunch

- his entire thought process was just about how dreamy you were, he’s so lovestruck it’s insane

- and great seven does he thank them above for being able to live this day

- because you suddenly remembered that your fridge back at ramshackle dorm was out of stock

- so you offered deuce this golden opportunity to head to sam’s store together to help shop for missing groceries that you desperately needed to fill your fridge again 

- he snaps out of his own thoughts and nods his head. violently. was he trying to mimic those bobble head figures?

- you were content and looked at him with that killer-smile

- instant K.O

- ace watches from the sidelines and gets up to purchase another deluxe steak hamburger that the cafeteria was handing out for a limited time

FLOYD LEECH

- completely ditches his work at mostro lounge just to sit at the booth you’re at to stare at you

- he doesn’t even say anything

- he just stares

- maybe even twirls a lil strand of your hair if you consent to that

- and he’s completely head-over-heels for you. but who knows that other than jade and azul thanks to their gifted intuition? not you, for all they know

- absolute menace

- casually slings an arm around your shoulders, wrap his arms around your waist from behind-he does all of these and starts a countdown out of nowhere for the person that you were conversing with to get away from the two of you

- you: (　ﾟдﾟ) Floyd: (*^ω^*)

- what’s that about personal space??? yeah he has zero idea of what that is while he continues staring at you

- your lips to be specific.

- every part of you just seems so-pretty? whenever you two have mixed classes together all his thoughts go right through the window and you’re the only thing that his eyes see

- leaves the classroom feeling pretty goofy. slacks his arms behind his head and accidentally whacks a student right in the face with his elbow

- hallway chases are nothing new

- you have to run twice as fast as you do in PE

- he justt thinks you’re so cute the nicknames are endless

- “my adorable shrimpy” “my cutesy little sherbet in a cup” “my one and only mike wazowski”

- they’re not even related to sea animals anymore

- revoke his pet name privileges please

KALIM-AL-ASIM

- smitten the moment he makes eye contact with you

- menace number #2 (lovingly)

- what’s wrong? you don’t want a costly chandelier installed in ramshackle’s lounge? Funny! kalim does not bother and your complaints fall on deaf ears

- cups his cheeks in his hands and kicks his legs while he watches you from afar like a little high school girl

- he has a big fat crush on you and he isn’t afraid to show it

- INSISTS jamil that they should bring back every traditional cuisine from their hometown for you to try out

- sends unprofessionally written love letters onto ramshackle’s doorstep when he’s away for the holidays (jamil modified some parts of the letter to not make it too hard to understand)

- think his only love language is giving gifts? absolutely not. doesn’t even know what the five love languages are but masters them all (and it doesn't even take him any strenuous effort)

- rambles to jamil about how beautiful you are during lunch. proceeds to even make an hour-long powerpoint presentation to show to his 30 younger siblings back at home with low-quality images downloaded from shutterstock.

- “how pretty are they?” “are you two going to get married?” “can i see them in person some time? I’ll be nice!”

- no you did NOT give him permission. but you’re okay with that. you love him too much to scold him anyway<333 

- one time you were invited to scarabia’s dorm where they were holding a large banquet (kalim sat beside you and mindlessly kept placing portions of food from the table onto your own plate-it started overflowing you HAD to stop him from grabbing the tongs)

- by the time everything was settled, you went back to your own dorm to get a goodnight’s rest

- but kalim was so adamant on not letting you go that a student from his dorm basically had to rip him off of your figure 

- he loves you and your cute face so much 

- scratch that he loves everything about you from head to toe

- when he was back in his room daydreaming about you, he heard the door burst open

- turns out it was jamil needing to inform him about the upcoming dorm leader meeting happening the next day

- kalim accidentally called him “teddy bear” thinking it was you who decided to come back and give him a farewell kiss

- jamil took his first shot that day

JAMIL VIPER

- jamil viper is not like the other guys

- no he’s different

- he stubbornly pushes all his surfacing feelings down and outwardly ignores the elephant in the room!

- which is his abrupt crush on you

- but seriously-he has no idea what to do

- when you offered to help him make dishes for the next dorm feast scarabia was having

- he couldn’t stop staring at the way your hands handled the kitchen utensils so effortlessly 

- and how you looked so laser focused on chopping the ingredients with beads of sweat starting to form on your forehead

- he’s DEFINITELY not into you at all. there’s nothing outstanding about you. he does not think you’re even pretty in the least. (press X to doubt)

- kalim takes notice frustratingly quick and suddenly he’s not a dorm leader anymore but a persuasive wingman

- kalim: you like them right??? do you want me to confess to them for you???? i promise i wont make you look stupid!

- jamil: PLEASE STO

- but when you start to become aware of the subtle signs and how he’s much more softer when it comes to you, jamil assures you that you had no fault in this at all and he’s stupid for letting such affection get to his head

- “It’s not you, it’s me.”

- (he secretly tells himself that it is kind of you because you’re just too charming to take his eyes off of??? inflexible much)

- but he still continues to stare at you. he doesn’t even know if it’s out of pure habit or if he’s just shameless anymore (news flash: it’s both)

- throw your personality into the mix and he’s very much in love

- and you were kind enough to not pay mind to it. when you do notice and call him out-he’s flushed. he’s flustered. bro ascended.

- and when you do accept his feelings, he’s relieved. he even offers to cook for you every day 24/7. and you’re rather surprised at his ability to balance all his responsibilities on his shoulders without a single slip up.

- sometimes kalim would walk with you guys in the hallway when arriving to your locker to pick up some books for your next lesson. jamil doesnt particularly mind but

- why does it feel like he’s the one who’s third wheeling?

- but in all honesty, he doesn’t mind in the least

- because he knew that you reciprocate his feelings so sincerely-and he’s grateful for it.

- mega W if you start dating jamil you won in life

[admiringlove]

[18:22] . . .

"did you seriously tell my date he sucks ass?" you raise an eyebrow at kageyama, who's guiltily sitting on your porch. he only grumbles, and you narrow your eyes as you come closer, "answer my question, idiot."

"yes," he mumbled under his breath, "but come on, he was nothing special. his only personality trait is that he's good at english and tries to impress girls because of it."

you almost chuckle at the revelation—because it was true. the boy you went out with the day before yesterday was honestly not worth it. but you were bored, and the person you really liked didn't seem to like you back. and the person you had feelings for was sitting in front of you, mouth tied into a pout and eyes looking down in guilt because he thinks he ruined your chance at a relationship.

you sigh, sitting next to him. your knees are touching, and it honestly feels like sparks are being contracted through them. but you ignore the feeling of butterflies in your stomach and begin talking, "i'll be honest with you, i didn't really like him."

"that means i did you a favor," tobio retorts. you shake your head, "no, you didn't. in fact you ruined my chance to get over someone i really do like."

"you like someone?" he asks, eyes wide in wonder, "and you didn't tell me? aren't you supposed to be my best friend?"

you suck in a shaky breath. how were you supposed to tell an absolute dimwit that you liked him? he's been your friend for years, and you had been dropping somewhat subtle(actual bombs, to be honest) hints for months now. he was either too dense to notice, but at this point it just seemed like he was purposely avoiding them.

"well, he doesn't feel the same way. so it doesn't really matter," you meekly look away from him. but he only keeps on staring, thinking for a bit before asking, "okay, who even is this idiot?"

you want to laugh, "tobio, i can't tell you that."

"why not?"

"privacy reasons? i don't know," you shrug, "but it doesn't matter because he doesn't like back in the same way. he only thinks of me as a friend."

"wait, so you like hinata?" he ponders, "out of everyone, hinata? really?"

you sputter, "no, you idiot! someone else!"

"okay," he pauses, "the only other valid option would be yamaguchi. he's the best option out of everyone. he's nice and smart, 'boyfriend material' as you'd call it."

"he's like a brother, ew," your face contorts to an expression of disgust as you roll your eyes, "stop guessing."

"but you don't have male friends outside of the volleyball club," he thinks, "oh my god, is it tsukishima? are you seriously into all the degradation-"

"tobio, shut up! it's you, okay? happy, now?"

"actually, yeah," he nods, "i'm glad it's me."

your eyes widen. there's no way in hell did you just confess to your best friend and long-time crush. this was not happening. oh, god. no. no. no. why was he so composed about this? did he know all along? what was happening and why was it happening?

"what?"

"i said," he pauses dramatically, looking over at you, "i'm glad it's me. and usually i would get all embarrassed, but i'm not embarrassed because it's you. you've been with me since we were babies. it's fine."

"this is so weird," you blink, "wait, so do you like me back?"

"dumbass, what do you think? i've been saying romantic shit to you for weeks," he deadpans as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"weeks?! you ass, i've been dropping hints for months!" you exclaim. he only laughs, "i noticed but i didn't wanna question it. i thought you liked a new band or something."

"what kind of romantic things did you say to me, anyway?" you furrow your brows, pondering as you continue, "were they actually romantic or was it just you being nice to me for once- mmph!"

it's so sudden. you're kissing kageyama tobio. your crush. your best friend. you don't even have a moment to think. it feels good too. you're sure this is what euphoria feels like—it feels like you've been having a dry throat and you just drank three tall glasses of ice-cold water. or like coming home and turning the air-conditioner on after spending the whole day out in the summer. it felt so calming, yet so heart-racing at the same time. you could hear your heartbeat in your ears. thump. thump. thump.

he pulls away, giving you a side-smile as he gets up from your porch. he then walks towards the gate, and looks back one last time before turning the corner, "hey."

you hum.

"see you tomorrow."

© all works belong to admiringlove on tumblr. plagiarism is strictly prohibited.